Socceroo linchpin Tim Cahill is eyeing Australia’s all-time goalscoring record and hopes to move closer to the milestone in the Asian Cup qualifier against Oman on Sunday (AEDT).

The Everton midfield ace will again be key to a Socceroos line-up hungry to take maximum points against Oman – a feat that would all but assure Australia’s place at the 2011 Asian Cup finals in Qatar.

Last month, Cahill was Australia’s matchwinner when the two nations met in Melbourne, having earlier netted against Oman on the occasion of the Socceroos first-ever Asian Cup finals match in 2007.

Cahill’s late strike at Etihad Stadium four weeks ago was his 19th in green and gold – 10 shy of former NSL star Damian Mori, who played his last match for the Socceroos in mid-2002.

“It’s always good to score for Australia,” said Cahill.

“The feeling’s great when you score and if it’s a winning goal, hopefully it’s going to be tomorrow night.

“Definitely it’s something that I pride myself on – scoring goals – and working hard for the team first of all.

“But I’m a young boy, I’m only 29 and I think I’ve got loads of time to beat that record.”

Cahill’s importance to the national team has never been as vital as now.

He has been responsible for five of Australia’s seven most recent goals.

Furthermore, whenever their attacking talisman has found the back of the net, the Socceroos have never lost a match.

Against Oman, Cahill will again be Australia’s go-to man going forward, with regular strike options Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald missing through injury and non-selection respectively.

“We’re all capable of doing a job here. Yes, we miss Josh Kennedy and Scotty (McDonald), but we’re all very experienced players,” said Cahill.

“H (Harry Kewell) has been a bit up front, I’ve done a bit, it’s exciting because we can all seem to produce when we play for Australia and hopefully we can do that on Saturday.”

Interestingly, Cahill’s contribution to last month’s clash in Melbourne was questioned by Oman’s French coach Claude Le Roy – not for his goal but for his perceived attempt to influence referee Toma Maasaki.

Le Roy labelled Cahill and Kewell “very good assistant referees”, an accusation the former Millwall man refused to buy into.

“In terms of reffing the game, it’s not that, it’s just making them aware when I’m trying to make a run into the box I’m always getting held.

“There’s no disrespect whatsoever towards the Omani players or the coach.

“It’s just something that on the pitch you just try and look after yourself and make sure you don’t get hurt.”

Australia and Oman are both locked at the head of Group B on four points after three matches – one point clear of Kuwait.

Kuwait host Indonesia in another Group B match on Sunday (AEDT).

The top two teams in the group advance to the Asian Cup finals.

Likely team:Australia: Mark Schwarzer, Scott Chipperfield, Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Luke Wilkshire, Jason Culina, Carl Valeri, Mark Bresciano, Brett Emerton, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell.

© AAP 2012

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