“He’s very much a natural leader. He gives advice – it just spills out of his mouth,I don’t think he can help it. He just loves it. He loves the game. He’s obviously a very proud Aussie himself,and he’s still fit enough to kick about as well which is awesome.”

Cahill,who has an official role with the Socceroos at the World Cup that will be confirmed in the coming days,couldn’t help himself again on Monday,jumping on the pitch again as the majority of the Socceroos squad were put through their paces – except for Martin Boyle,who was still in the Aspire rehab centre working on his knee injury.

Skipper Maty Ryan,back-up defender Joel King,winger Awer Mabil and attacking midfielder Ajdin Hrustic were due to land later that night following their club duties over the weekend,rounding out the full contingent.

They won’t be alone in the arrivals hall at the Hamad International Airport – over 1 million visitors are expected to descend on the tiny gas-rich Middle Eastern state in the coming days as the tournament,controversially awarded to Qatar 12 years ago,draws ever nearer.

This is Duke’s first World Cup and,he admits,probably the only opportunity he’ll get to represent the Socceroos on football’s biggest stage. He was at the Central Coast Mariners in 2014 but was cut from then-coach Ange Postecoglou’s extended squad for the World Cup in Brazil that year,and was again overlooked four years ago by Bert van Marwijk for Russia 2018.

“Obviously,it gave me aspirations to really give my all – after especially the 2018 one,I was like,‘I’ve got one more chance’. That was my motivation afterwards,” he said.

“Speaking to some of the boys that have been to one or two before me,they said there’s no experience like it,and I’m definitely very happy and privileged that I get my chance now ... it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Everyone wants to put their hand up to play in that starting 11. I think I’ve got a good enough chance as anyone.

“I’ll just keep trying to prove myself in training every day to try and get that spot against France.”

Deschamps says he has replacements ready for Kimpembe

France will be without injured defender Presnel Kimpembe at the World Cup but manager Didier Deschamps has Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano as the two options to fill the role on as a left-sided centre back in their opening game against Australia.

Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram and AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi were called up as Deschamps completed his squad,the French federation said on Monday.

Disasi made the final cut after Kimpembe ruled himself out because of a hamstring injury.

“Kimpembe did not have all the elements to be ready,” Deschamps said on Monday. “He is honest and faces reality even though it’s painful.”

Asked about his options to replace Kimpembe,the France coach added:“Konate and Upamecano. I already know what I will do against Australia.”

Deschamps also said 29-year-old Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane,who has been included in the squad despite being injured in October,was making good progress.

“He is training with the ball and doing well,” Deschamps said. “He still has steps to take in the next few days. He is fine. He is in good spirits.

“We are not going to cut corners. He is supposed to be available for the first game.”

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