CAHILL'S CUP ADMISSION

Tim Cahill may be one of Australia's biggest soccer stars but he insists he will not be in the Socceroos World Cup squad this summer if he does not keep producing the goods for Everton.

Speaking exclusively to The Evertonian magazine, Cahill talks about his pride at helping Australia reach their first World Cup finals in 32 years but explains that he will not be distracted by the prospect of a summer in Germany until the Blues' season is over.

"It's been fantastic getting to the World Cup but it's also a bit of a hindrance for my club football because it's given people a bit of a shot at me to think that I'm just concentrating on the World Cup and trying to keep fit for that," he says.

"What people tend to forget is that I might not be at the World Cup at the end of this season if I don't play well for Everton.

"I've really enjoyed playing for Australia. We've played a lot of games and I've done a lot of travelling but it's the biggest thing that's ever happened in Australian sport and now for us to achieve what we have is obviously a massive feat.

"We've drawn a great group in Brazil, Croatia and Japan and we've seriously got to think we can realistically finish in that top two because the manager won't let us think otherwise. It's not about being over-confident or cocky, it's about trying to set targets and really trying to make yourself a force because if you're just happy to be there to make up the numbers then there's no point being there.

"The reaction in Australia has just been ridiculous. I think even now people still can't believe it. From the time I played the game, I watched some highlights and that's been it. I haven't even watched the video of the game or looked at any newspaper clippings about it because it hasn't sunk in."

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