Sainsbury: 'The boys love coming back to Australia'

Trent Sainsbury said spirits are high in the Caltex Socceroos camp as they prepare for their first hit-out on home soil in more than a year.

The Caltex Socceroos play Korea Republic at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night before facing Lebanon in Sydney on Tuesday.

The two friendlies form important steps towards the AFC Asian Cup defence in the United Arab Emirates in January.

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Sainsbury said it is always special to play in front of a home crowd.

“It might sound a bit cliche but I know the boys love coming back to Australia to play,” said Sainsbury.

“Home country for most of us and, you know, coming back to see family and friends and seeing the excitement on all the faces, especially the young kids, the next generation that are going to be come through, I think for us, to be going out and performing in front of them, it means a lot to us.

“You can see the buzz is starting to build. We want that stadium absolutely bouncing on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a big test for us but at the same time, I think it’s going to be a nice occasion for the public to come out and see the boys for the first time in 12 months.”

Tim Cahill bids Farewell

Tuesday night’s fixture at ANZ Stadium will be a special occasion for the Caltex Socceroos’ leading goalscorer, Tim Cahill. 

The 38-year-old, who has 107 caps for Australia and 50 goals, will play his final game for the Caltex Socceroos in front of his home crowd.

Sainsbury said it was an honour to play alongside the second-most capped Australian and an icon of the Golden Generation. 

“For me, personally, it was great to be able to share the field and locker room with Timmy, and obviously he’s an icon for Australian football now,” said Sainsbury.

“Playing 100-plus games for his country, he deserves the send-off he’s going to get.

"For Timmy, it’s a special moment as well, so I’ll be glad to be sharing the pitch with him and giving the send-off he deserves.”

You can purchase tickets here to the Caltex Socceroos’ clash against Korea Republic at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, November 17 at 7:50pm AEDT. 

Tim Cahill’s farewell will be against Lebanon at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:50pm AEDT. You can purchase tickets below.