Tim Cahill, 35, has been synonymous with the Australian Football team for more than a decade. He has been the talisman and has scored for his side whenever the team has needed and at the highest stages. Today his country is hosting the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and his team needs him more than ever to ignite the country's dreams to push on towards the championship.

On his rather long journey as a player and captain for his national side, he was scored some memorable as well as milestone goals. He is his country's highest ever scorer with 34 strikes in 71 appearances. He is Australia's highest scorer in FIFA World Cups as well as the first ever Australian to score in an AFC Asian Cup.

His journey as a box to box midfielder in the club circuit has also won appreciation from the very best in the business. His youth career started at the Sydney Olympic club from there he moved to Sydney United. In 1997 he joined the Milwall youth academy in England.

His senior career started at Milwall in 1998. In 249 appearances for the club he had scored 56 goals. He won the Football League Second Division crown with them in the 2000-01 season. His performances earned him a transfer to Everton Football club. For Everton he played 278 matches and scored 68 goals. Finally he went to the United States to join the New York Red Bulls. So far for them he has played 72 games and has scored 16 times. He has won the 2013 MLS Supporters Shield with his present club.

To contact the author of this article email a.biswas@IBTimes.com.au

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