After going through the most agonising month of his life, Tim Cahill is now relishing in his biggest week as he prepares for Saturday's FA Cup final.

Millwall's Australian midfielder spent the last five games of England's first division season one mistimed tackle or petulant word from being rubbed out of the Millennium Stadium finale against Manchester United.

Cahill walked the tightrope after being handed a three-match suspension last month.

Because he had 14 bookings for the season, one more yellow card upon his return would have earned him another ban which would have cost him a place in the FA Cup final.

"I played five games where one yellow card would have made me miss the final," he said.

"It was nerve-wracking, I couldn't sleep at night, it did spoil my game. I couldn't go into tackles as I'd normally go into them.

"It's a different experience, one I've never had to experience before in my life where I can't go out there and just play my natural game. I know it's wrong, but there was always the thought of the FA Cup in my mind.

"I'm sure anybody in my position would have felt the same.

"Emotionally and mentally it was very difficult, but I've come through it and I'm just happy to have the opportunity to be the third Australian in the final."

Cahill, 24, has enjoyed the best season in his nine years at Millwall, scoring 12 goals as the club pushed for the first division promotion play-offs and making his international debut for Australia.

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