Aussie matchwinners ready to fire

Australian defender Brett Emerton believes the Socceroos' two proven matchwinners - Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill - will improve enormously in Friday night's must-win Asian Cup clash against Iraq.

This was after both showed promising signs of recapturing their best form following long injury lay-offs in the disappointing 1-1 draw with Oman.

Kewell was playing only his second match for Australia since scoring the goal against Croatia that took the Socceroos through to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in Germany last June - after missing nearly all of last season with septic arthritis in his left foot.

And Cahill, the man who scored two late goals to lead Australia to that memorable 3-1 win over Japan in the opening game at the World Cup, came off the bench to rescue a point for the Socceroos against Oman with an injury-time equaliser.

It was Cahill's first game in more than three months after breaking a bone in his foot in March while playing for Everton.

Emerton said the fact Cahill made a successful return and Kewell got through the full 90 minutes has provided a huge boost for the under pressure Socceroos, ahead of their match against Iraq.

"It's been massive, they are two world class players and having them in the squad is a major bonus for us," he said.

"Harry got through his first 90 mins unscathed and he has been looking good in training since then and so has Tim."

"Like each and every player in this team, as the tournament progresses they will get fitter and stronger and it's great to see them back playing for the national team."

Emerton said the presence of Kewell and Cahill would only become more important as the stakes increase with every match.

"They are the types of players who win you matches," Emerton said of his fellow English Premier League stars.

"They can turn games on their head and if we want to do well at this tournament, they are the types of players we need in this team."

Emerton said the return of Cahill and Kewell was even more important because the need to score the first goal in matches was even more vital at the Asian Cup - because it then forced the other team to use more energy by chasing the game in the extreme heat and humidity.

"That's what happened last Sunday night (against Oman) - they got the first goal and it gave them the opportunity to pack the defence and we found it very hard to break them down," he said.

"So I think it’s hugely important we get the first goal on Friday night and hopefully we can get in front this time and defend from there."