Free agent Tim Cahill completed his switch to Championship club Millwall on Monday boosting his Socceroos aspirations in his bid to impress new coach Bert van Marwijk.

There’s been plenty of others making switches including Jamie Maclaren (Hibernian), Mitchell Langerak (Nagoya Grampus), Kwame Yeboah (Paderborn), Dylan McGowan (Gangwon FC), Ben Halloran (V-Varen Nagazaki), Alex Gersbach (RC Lens), Ryan McGowan (Bradford City) and most recently Apostolos Giannou (AEK Larnaca).

However, there’s still a handful of wannabe Socceroos who need to make a move and time is ticking away with the transfer window set to close (it’s worth noting FIFA has introduced new rules which means the emergency loan window no longer exists beyond January).

Brad Smith

The 23-year-old ex-Liverpool left-back is clearly on the fringes at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe, having made only three appearances this season, all in cup competitions. Smith hasn’t been helped by a hip injury but he returned in January in a shock FA Cup draw with third tier Wigan where they trailed 2-0 at the break, prompting his substitution. Game-time seems unlikely for him at Dean Court in the next six months so a loan move down a division is essential if he’s to make the squad for Russia.

Chris Ikonomidis

The precociously talented 22-year-old isn’t in the first-team frame at Lazio who have reportedly tried to find a new home for him during January. Ikonomidis has previously had loan spells in Serie B with Salernitana and Denmark with AGF, while there was interest from Italian second tier clubs in July, including Salernitana, Carpi and Venezia. The six-time Socceroo could be a major X-factor in Russia, but only if he can find regular game-time in the lead-up.

Matt Spiranovic

Firstly it’s worth noting the Chinese transfer window closes on February 28, but if Spiranovic wants to seal a move away from China’s second tier and back to Europe where he can truly test himself, then now is the time. The 29-year-old central defender was a key part of Australia’s 2014 World Cup and 2015 Asian Cup sides but fell out of favour under Ange Postecoglou since his move to China, although injury didn’t help. Bert van Marwijk’s take on Spiranovic’s situation is unknown but the 35-time Socceroo genuinely needs a move to boost his career, even though he’s being paid well.

Ajdin Hrustic

Hrustic is another super talented young winger who could bring an X-factor for the Socceroos in Russia. The 21-year-old made his Socceroos debut after a great run of seven games with Groningen late last season where he scored his maiden Eredivisie goal. He made four starts earlier this season but has fallen out of favour after needlessly being sent off in October against Willem II. Hrustic spent January with the Australia Under-23’s side, but upon his return it doesn’t seem he’ll get adequate game-time to justify World Cup selection unless he makes a loan move elsewhere.

Adam Federici

Veteran goalkeeper who was a Socceroos regular in 2016 but has fallen off the radar in recent times, in light of a lack of game-time with Premier League club Bournemouth where he’s behind Asmir Begovic and Artur Boruc. The 32-year-old is a proven performer at Championship level, after a previous strong stint with Reading and providing he can prove his fitness, after two knee injuries in the past 12 months, he should be an attractive option for English second tier clubs. Nottingham Forest have already flagged their interest.