New York Red Bulls ace Tim Cahill has given a glowing appraisal of Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Tony Popovic.
The former Crystal Palace defender is a candidate for the vacant Australian national team managerial position and ex-Everton star Cahill has backed the 40-year old in for the job.
"ll be totally honest with you, I've worked with Popa - he's unbelievable," Cahill told Fox Sports News.
"I think it's great we're looking for the Australian talent - maybe there could be two of them working together, who knows?
"For Australia, so long as we've got a long term plan not a short term fix then I'd love to be a part of the new journey."
Melbourne Victory's Ange Postecoglou and Central Coast Mariners boss Graham Arnold are also in the running but Cahill suggests Popovic's experience as Palace assistant has him at the front of the queue.
"He's the one of the three who has coached in Europe, in England, at a fantastic club, Crystal Palace," Cahill added.
"He's lived and breathed it.
"The thing for me is I know him as a person and a player and he gives his heart and soul."
