Tim Cahill puts emotions aside to captain Australia in Asian Cup
Ex-Premier League striker steps up to lead Socceroos in Asian Cup clash
Tim Cahill called it a "massive honour" to captain Australia in his home city but he promised to leave emotions aside with an Asian Cup quarter-final spot on the line.
The former Premier League striker, who retains his goal-scoring knack at 35, will lead the Socceroos against Oman in Sydney on Tuesday in the absence of injured skipper Mile Jedinak.
I feel that it's going to be a massive game for us ... there's a lot on the line. We just want to do our country proud and do really well
But the Sydney native said he would not let the occasion get to him as Australia seek the victory that could put them into the last eight, and three wins from the title.
"It's amazing, I love playing for Australia regardless of which country I'm in but to play at home, in front of my hometown fans and obviously family and friends is very special," Cahill said.
"But with me, not a lot of emotion comes into it when I cross that white line. I feel that it's going to be a massive game for us ... there's a lot on the line. We just want to do our country proud and do really well."
Despite the loss of Jedinak, confidence is high in the Australian camp after Friday's 4-1 win over Kuwait left them on the brink of the quarter-finals.