Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has called for new coach Pim Verbeek to be given long-term support as he takes over the national team this week.

With some commentators down under preferring a bigger name than the 51 year-old Dutchman, the Everton star is just relieved that a decision had been made.

"I'm just pleased that finally we've got someone that wants the job, that's put their hand up and said, 'yeah I want to take this team forward'," Cahill told Sydney radio station 2KY.

"And I suppose it's a shrewd move because he knows a lot about the Asian side of football and we need that experience to improve."

There has been speculation that Verbeek could be replaced by a more glamorous coach before the World Cup if qualification had been assured but Cahill dismissed such suggestions.

"For me, that's not right. I'd like to think not, because we need a bit of continuity and consistency where, as players, we can have a relationship with one person and we can just move forward. It's not 'we'll get the biggest guy when we get there'."

"It's going to be the biggest task to get there and I think we're under no illusions how difficult (it's) going to be against the Asian teams as we found out in the last summer."