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Australia v Brazil: At 37, Tim Cahill savours any chance to be part of national team

Socceroo legend Tim Cahill would love nothing more than to go to a fourth World Cup in Russia, but the 37-year-old is more aware of his sporting mortality than anyone else.

That is why he is savouring the opportunity to be in camp with the Socceroos for the friendly against Brazil and the upcoming Confederations Cup.

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Anything more, says Melbourne City's marquee player, is a bonus – something he hopes to achieve but will not bank on.

"It's just good to be in camp," he said on the eve of Australia's clash with Brazil at the MCG on Tuesday night.

"We prepare all season for this, you have got in the back of your mind certain levels you have to be at professionally and the best thing about coming into camp is being level-pegged with every single player regardless of age. The fitness has to be high, the data has to be good, and everyone is in for selection opportunity."

He has played a key role in most of Australia's milestone matches in the past 13 years, but he still gets excited at the chance to pull on the national shirt.

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"For me it's always an amazing opportunity when selected for the national team. We want to make sure we take every moment, whether it's training, in games, and if selected we all know we can play a part in some of these big games."

Postecoglou's policy of picking on form and ability rather than age has also helped him at a time when most players of his vintage are discarded.

"For us it's nice to be kept on your toes, it's nice to know that every single day in training counts towards the weekend or in the game. Regardless of my age I am always fighting every day to make sure I am preparing right and being professional to have the best outcome for every part of the game if called up," Cahill said.

"My end goal was to be here today, my end goal is to get to Russia.

"The main thing is never taking it for granted. When we leave this camp you are always knowing that it could be the last ever camp regardless of whether you are 21 or 37. It's great to be here, but Russia 2018 is too far ahead. The big game for me will be Tuesday and then going to the Confederations Cup."