Match Preview: Caltex Socceroos v Lebanon
Tim Cahill will farewell the Caltex Socceroos in what is certain to be an emotional friendly against Lebanon at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday night.
Australia's all-time leading scorer is scheduled to close out an astonishing international career with a cameo off the bench in front of his home crowd.
As an undisputed great departs in his 108th appearance, Graham Arnold's new breed emerge buoyed by the gains made in Brisbane.
WATCH: How to see the Caltex Socceroos take on Lebanon
GALLERY: Tim Cahill's Caltex Socceroos career in pictures
FINAL INGREDIENT: Why Arnold is adamant the floodgates will open
An exciting blend of experienced regulars and fresh faces combined to secure a well-earned draw against Korea Republic on Saturday thanks to Massimo Luongo's last-gasp equaliser.
Debutant Martin Boyle provided a key touch in the build-up to the goal and, along with the likes of Awer Mabil, could provide the thrills against a tricky opponent that shares the forthcoming AFC Asian Cup as a top priority.
Where and when
Date: Tuesday, November 20 2018
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 7:30pm AEDT
Caltex Socceroos squad news
Arnold will be without Celtic star Tom Rogic as he manages a slight knee issue.
Robbie Kruse also misses the match in Sydney with a minor groin problem.
In comes Cahill and Hyundai A-League pair Rhyan Grant and Craig Goodwin, who have been elevated from the train-on status they held in Brisbane.
Thomas Deng and Dimitri Petratos impressed in camp but have been released to their clubs.
One further player will be omitted on matchday to reach the final 23-man squad.
Current world rankings
Caltex Socceroos: 42
Lebanon: 121
Final word
Tuesday's clash with the Cedars presents another chance to build confidence before Asia's showpiece tournament gets underway in January.
The Caltex Socceroos are now unbeaten in two under Arnold and showed plenty of positive intent against a resilient Korea Republic.
Fleet-footed wingers Boyle and Mabil impressed off the bench in that match, while the inclusion of Adelaide United ace Goodwin adds another attacking thread to be explored.
'AMAZING': Mabil's praise for outgoing Cahill
TIM IN NUMBERS: The remarkable statistics behind Cahill's 50 goals
Though Lebanon's long unbeaten run came to an end against Kuwait in October, they've kept three clean sheets in four and will be eager to spoil Australia's celebration of an icon.
Impeccable timing and an unrivalled sense of occasion have always been cornerstones of Cahill's greatness.
Can the veteran of four FIFA World Cups bow out with a 51st international goal?
