Though unfamiliar with most of the team, Jordan coach Harry Redknapp is well acquainted with one of the Socceroos’ most dangerous weapons.
The long-time English Premier League manager saw the Tim Cahill show on repeat during the striker’s eight years with Everton.
It was ample time to notice Cahill’s extraordinary aerial skill and ability to latch onto any ball in the box.
And with the 36-year-old a good chance to return to Australia’s starting line-up for Tuesday’s crunch World Cup qualifier, Redknapp knows neutralising such a threat is a big ask from his Jordan team.
“I’ve come across him so many times as a club manager,” said Redknapp, who was reportedly even interested in signing Cahill to Queens Park Rangers in 2014.
“He’s as good as anyone I’ve seen at arriving and finding space in the box.
“For a small guy he’s got an incredible leap. He’s just got that knack.
“The ball arrives in the box and Timmy Cahill’s on the end of it.
“That’s something we have to be very aware of, for sure.”
Redknapp knows Jordan are slight underdogs to win at Allianz Stadium in his second and final match in charge before returning to England to take up an advisor role with Championship side Derby County.
They need to win to steal top spot from Australia in their group and guarantee progression.
But Redknapp said his expectations about the quality of football in the Arab nation had been well surpassed during his week at the helm, in which the team struck at the heart of Bangladesh in Amman with eight unanswered goals.
Striker Hamza Al-Dardour netted a hat-trick in that match, and will be on hand to punish any sloppiness from the Socceroos.
“When I came over, I had no idea about Jordan football or how good they were,” Redknapp said.
“It really wasn’t something I’d ever looked at, so when I arrived I had a very open mind.
“I’ve been really surprised at the standard – it’s much, much higher than I ever expected.
“We are underdogs, but we’re underdogs with a real fighting chance.”
Kaks
Roar Guru
Lets be honest, Australia vs Tajikistan or Australia vs Jordan doesnt really send shockwaves around the nation either for anyone who doesnt follow football closely in this country.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
I don't think Cahill will start, Giannou had such a great all round performance last week i can't see him not being rewarded with a start tonight. I'd love to see Mooy and Rogic to begin with that pairing has scary potential, Loungo is a great player and links up well but Rogic is the type to get the whole stadium on their feet whenever he touches the ball, he's scoring some audacious goals at the moment i wanna see more! I hope Risdon get the nod at RB i'd feel more comfortable with him over Mcgowan our defence will be asked a few more questions than they were last week. All in all i think it will be a little cagey to begin with but we will run over them, 4-1.
whiskeymac
Guest
Will the wet weather help or hinder...
Midfielder
Guest
Agree the media around the last two games has been almost non existent ... with the other codes in early season has been difficult to get any or much media... Another reason a FTA commercial partner is important.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Not a lot of chatter today... Will Cahill start? I would think there is a lesser chance given the need for solutions post-Cahill. No better opportunity to test that than tonight. Although I would have liked to see all three of Luongo, Mooy, and Rogić on the pitch last game as an opportunity of what they could do together, I think it's more of a question of who is going to partner Mooy to start. If Ange wants to overwhelm Jordan quickly from the start, then Mooy-Rogić is the combination to do so, given their current goal scoring form. 2-1 win to Australia.