SOCCEROO James Meredith hailed the impact of Tim Cahill at Millwall, declaring he was the reason behind their unlikely promotion push.
While most have focused on Cahill’s lack of minutes since quitting Melbourne City, Meredith revealed that his optimism was contagious since his fairytale homecoming to The Den.
Millwall is 10th, four points behind sixth-place Middlesbrough having claimed 20 of 24 points since Cahill’s arrival, with the veteran featuring in seven of the eight games as a late substitute.
“He brings such a positive vibe. When he came we were in the bottom five, but doing well, just not putting away our chances,’’ Meredith said.
“He said to me, ‘we’re not going to lose, we can’t be beat’ I thought ‘that’s a bit strong, there’s a lot of good teams in this league’.
“But he’s not been wrong, we’ve gone from strength to strength. He had that belief and foresight. Team spirit has gone up after every game we’re sitting there smiling at each other because everyone thought we’d be battling relegation.
“Unless you are in it, it’s hard to explain it. It’s like a family club, everyone in the team is crazy and a bit weird but it’s a good crazy.”
Millwall manager Neil Harris has promised more game-time for Cahill, who’s played just 39 minutes although he was coming off a big break having not played since November.
The Lions have at least eight games left and possibly more if they can make the playoffs.
“He looks great in training, he looks very composed on the ball, in the five-a-side he scores a lot of goals. The gaffer says he will get more minutes, but it’s difficult because we keep winning,’’ Meredith said.
“He’s not had a lot of game time so he’s not had a big impact on the pitch, it’s more off the pitch. He’s given everyone confidence and boosted team spirit.”
After a long absence Meredith, who’s played all 38 games for Millwall this season, was thrilled to return to the Socceroos set up, where he’s contesting for a left-back start alongside playoff star Aziz Behich.
“I thought I had a really good (Socceroos) debut but for whatever reason I didn’t get (recalled),’’ he said.
“I was 27, I respected the manager’s decision but I really liked the way he played and I was really disappointed at the time because I think I would have boosted my career very quickly.
“Now I just have to do what I always do and that is to work hard, be focused and professional and offer everything I can to the new staff. They’ve been well received so far by all the lads because of what they have achieved.”
