Injured Everton midfielder Tim Cahill says he is well on the way to recovery from a knee ligament injury in the countdown to Australia’s World Cup opener with Japan in Kaiserslautern on June 12.

Cahill picked up the injury playing for Everton against Birmingham in the English Premier League on April 22.

Everton manager David Moyes has said his club would have the last say on whether Cahill was fit to play in next month’s World Cup finals in Germany.

But Cahill was anxious not to further exacerbate the situation as the Australian squad gathered for next week’s friendly with European champions Greece in Melbourne.

Cahill will not be playing against the Greeks, but is happy with his recovery from the knee setback.

“I feel really positive about everything,” said Cahill, one of a group of Socceroos who were guests of honour at a public outdoor breakfast here Friday.

“The biggest thing people need to understand is Everton pay my wages,” he said.

“I’ve got great respect for my manager and the way he thinks of me.

“He is just looking out for me.

“I love Australia and I love Everton. This is all about me getting fit.”

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said he was also well on the road to recovery after breaking a cheekbone last month, and would probably not wear his protective mask against Greece.

“There’s no problem at all,” Schwarzer told reporters.

“I’ve got no bad feeling in it. It doesn’t distract me in training whatsoever.”

Australia’s other injured squad member, Harry Kewell, has remained in England after injuring a groin muscle playing for Liverpool in last weekend’s FA Cup win over West Ham United in Cardiff.

But Kewell is expected to join the Australian squad when the players go into camp in Holland after playing against Greece next Thursday.

Source:Soccer Worldcup