Cahill To Kick Off Asia Cup on Monday

Everton forward Tim Cahill will begin his charge on Asia Cup glory on Monday as his native Australia take on India.

The Socceroos enter the tournament as one of the hot favourites, thanks to an abundance of experienced players throughout the squad – with the talismanic Cahill expected to spearhead the Australian cause.

Coach Holger Osieck believes that his team are better equipped to deal with any complacency following a disappointing 2007 campaign which saw the Australians crash out to Japan in the Quarter-Finals.

"We never underestimate anybody. I don´t accept sloppiness, I can assure you of that. We don´t have it training and we won´t have it in the game."

Cahill has indicated a degree of reluctance in participating in the tournament at the expense of his club duties at Everton, but insists that he is proud to represent his country.

"As of late it´s been difficult so to leave (Everton), yeah, it´s hard, because I feel that I love playing for my country and I love playing for my club."