Sydney's favourite son – at least while the football's on – has had an honour bestowed on him that frankly should have happened a long time ago.

Socceroo Tim Cahill stood with the NSW premier, Barry O'Farrell, and Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop as they unveiled a banner over the Cahill Expressway behind Circular Quay, renaming the road the Tim Cahill Expressway for 48 hours.

Ignoring the fact that the expressway is pronounced "Carl", and that no one in Sydney really likes that bit of road, this is a great tribute to a football star who scored Australia's first World Cup finals goal in 2006 in Germany against Japan, and who will equal the Socceroos' top goal scorer with his first (guarantee … right?) shot on Tuesday night against Iraq.

Victory in the World Cup qualifier will ensure the Socceroos a place in Brazil next year.

"In honour of Tim's potential milestone, and the significance of tomorrow night's FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Sydney, I am delighted to rename the Cahill Expressway the 'Tim Cahill Expressway' from now until full time tomorrow night," said O'Farrell.

"The NSW government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, is a strategic partner for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. We're delighted the Australian public has embraced this game which is now a sell out."

Fairfax reports that Cahill said it was one of the best moments of his life "other than having my children", and both Gallop and O'Farrell remarked in a definitely-not-joking manner that it could become a permanent change.

"We'll see depending on the results tomorrow," said O'Farrell.

The expressway, opened in 1958, was named for the then state premier John Joseph Cahill, who was also responsible for approving the Sydney Opera House. It connects the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the city's Eastern Suburbs, swinging past Circular Quay.

Tim Cahill told press: "I am extremely grateful and humbled by this wonderful gesture by the premier and the NSW government in renaming the Cahill Expressway in my name and in honour of the Socceroos.

"Tomorrow night is a huge night for the Socceroos, and for me personally, as we push to qualify for Brazil 2014 and without the support of the NSW people, and all Australians, we would not be in this position."

And let us just leave these here without comment. Mr O'Farrell?

David Ramli (@Davidramli) .@barryofarrell has renamed a highway for @Tim_Cahill till after tomorrow's match. As motivation, promise to make it permanent if they win?

Sergio Sousa (@srod009) @barryofarrell please keep it as the Tim Cahill Expressway forever #socceroos #onelove #roadtoBrazil

Matt George (@mattgeorge1990) @Tim_Cahill I always call it the Tim Cahill expressway anyways. I say we make it permanent!!!!

Raf dahouk (@banshen153) @Socceroos @Tim_Cahill I think we should leave it there forever regardless of him scoring or not!