Manager Neil Harris: Tim Cahill will take time to be matchfit for Millwall

By Richard Cawley

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Millwall manager Neil Harris reckons it will take a “couple of weeks” for Tim Cahill to be fit.

The Australian star signed as a free agent yesterday to make a Den return, where his professional career started.

Cahill, 38, terminated his deal at Melbourne City in early December because he wants game time to make Australia’s World Cup squad.

He was welcomed back before tonight’s 0-0 draw with Derby County as he stepped onto the pitch for a brief appearance.

He is eligible to play in Saturday’s match at Reading but Harris said: “He is not going to be fit for a couple of weeks.

“He has not done a lot in the last seven weeks since he left playing in Oz.

“We’re going to have to be patient with him. Bringing him in gives us a big lift in the transfer window. There will be one more tomorrow [Ben Marshall on loan from Wolves].

“It’s important we have strength in depth. We can’t stand still as a club because everyone is moving forward.

“It’s been a whirlwind few days. Timmy has been at the training ground today working with Shacks [Jason Shackell] and Harry [Toffolo]. We’ll be patient with Timmy.

“He wanted to come back and play for Millwall, he wanted to come back and play for me.”