Craig Moore has hit out at plans for Tim Cahill to take the pitch in his Socceroos testimonial match against Lebanon in November.
Despite being less than two months out from the beginning of Australia's Asian Cup defence, new coach Graham Arnold feels the public deserve to see Cahill play one final time in the green and gold.
Expected to come on as a substitute late in the match on November 20 at ANZ Stadium, Moore, who played with Cahill at the 2006 World Cup, believes Australia's all-time leading goal scorer shouldn't take any part in the game.
Cahill himself admitted he was surprised by the offer from Football Federation Australia, but is eager to pay his respects to all those that have cheered him on over the years.
"It was a surprise. I had a phone call from FFA with plans they were preparing a farewell game for me - I couldn't believe it," Cahill said.
"It will be the most emotional game of my life. I'm back now [in Australia] to say thank you to the Australian public, to say thank you to the FFA, to say thank you to the media, and say thank you to (Graham Arnold) and his team.
"When someone rewards you with this sort of game, it's a different perspective that I never thought would happen to me."
Expected to be the Socceroos final hit-out before the Asian Cup, the clash will be crucial as Arnold looks to ensure his tenure as coach doesn't get off to another rocky start.
Last time in charge of the green and gold, he oversaw an Australian side that failed to get past the quarter-finals at the 2007 Asian Cup with his side also losing 3-1 to Iraq in the group stages.
While Cahill's cameo will likely take minutes away from another Socceroo, Arnold is adamant Cahill deserves the chance to play one final time.
"Even though that this is an important game in our preparation for the Asian Cup, giving Timmy and the public the opportunity to say good-bye is important to us," Arnold said.
"Tim has made many sacrifices to play for his country and deserves a final bow in front of Australian fans in Australia."
