Socceroos Spotlight: Millwall boss praises 'perfect' Cahill

It was a dream weekend for Australians overseas as several established Caltex Socceroos hit top form ahead of this month's friendlies.

Tim Cahill was praised by his manager, while a superb Mat Ryan statistic emerged.

Here's a snapshot of the latest news on each Aussies' exploits.

HARRIS HAILS CAHILL EFFECT

Millwall manager Neil Harris heaped praise on Tim Cahill after the veteran forward helped steer the Lions to a 1-0 win over Brentford.

Cahill's cameo alleviated the pressure on the way to an 11th league match without defeat, although Harris joked he would "have a chat" with his former team-mate about a third yellow card in four matches.

"You turn to your bench and you've got a 38-year-old Millwall legend who's got more than 100 caps. He's the perfect person to bring on," Harris told NewsAtDen.

"It's great to be able to bring him on when we're in that position. He knows what it takes. He came on and lifted the crowd.

"He put himself about and chased lost causes. I thought him, Tom [Elliott] and Fred [Onyedinma] were outstanding when they came on the pitch."

Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill is having an influence at Millwall.

SELFLESS IRVINE NOT UNNOTICED

Cahill wasn't the only Caltex Socceroo earning plaudits in the Championship.

Hull City boss Nigel Adkins extolled Jackson Irvine's value after the midfielder, who has become an ever-present starter, notched the first in a see-sawing 4-3 win over Norwich City.

"Jackson scored a lovely goal to open the scoring and he works his socks off for the team, so it was great for him to get a goal," Adkins said.

Irvine has racked up 27 league appearances this term.

RYAN TRUMPS TOP SHOT-STOPPERS

Mat Ryan's superb penalty save from Wayne Rooney in Brighton and Hove Albion's 2-0 defeat at Everton continued the goalkeeper's exceptional debut season in England.

WATCH: Ryan's terrific stop to deny Rooney from the spot

The 25-year-old has played every minute of the Seagulls' 30 Premier League matches and the stats back up his importance, as confirmed by Opta.

Ryan ranks sixth for shots saved in the competition - keeping out 69.47 per cent of attempts on goal.

That places him behind Manchester United's David De Gea, Tottenham's Hugo Lloris and Manchester City's Ederson, but ahead of Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois (67.47) and Petr Cech (63.39).

Ryan has also faced the second-most shots of any Premier League goalkeeper (442 including blocks) and made 92 saves.

MACLAREN FULL OF CONFIDENCE

Jamie Maclaren is ready for a goal glut after scoring the second in Hibernian's Edinburgh Derby success against rivals Hearts.

The on-loan striker capped off a 2-0 victory in the 80th minute having earlier struck the crossbar in spectacular fashion.

"I've got to stay patient and confident. I know I will always score goals," Maclaren told Hibs TV.

READ: Maclaren scores for Hibernian in Edinburgh Derby

"If I'm in the box I'll create chances.

"You can't afford to put your head down. I hit the crossbar and I knew I was going to get another one.

"I've got to continue with my own personal game and if [Caltex Socceroos selection] happens then I can focus on that."

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