Cahill shocked by Holman retirement

TIM Cahill was schoked at Brett Holman’s Socceroos retirement calling it premature.

Meanwhile Cahill has declared himself fit and ready to start for New York Red Bulls in Monday’s clash against Dallas after overcoming a hamstring strain with just a few games left before he joins Australia’s World Cup camp.

Cahill and Holman have been Australia’s chief attacking partners in crime of late, with their goals securing a 2-0 win over Serbia at the 2010 World Cup which brought them within a whisker of qualifying for the round of 16.

Their goals also salvaged a 2-2 draw against Oman last March in Sydney, which probably saved the Socceroos from a playoff against Uruguay and Holger Osieck’s job — for six months anyway.

Tim Cahill (R) and Brett Holman (L) both scored in Australia’s last World Cup finals match. Source: News Limited

Holman, who turned 30 a month ago, announced his international retirement on Wednesday but Cahill said he still had something to offer despite criticism of his move from Aston Villa to UAE-based Al-Nasr.

“It surprised me massively, purely because of his age and I’m disappointed because I’m very close with him and having played with him I know the type of quality player he is,’’ Cahill said.

“If you look at the World Cup and the 2015 Asian Cup, I know Brett Holman can score goals for the national team and he’s proved it himself.

“He’s one of them players that’s got the gears and when he turns it on he’s an asset to any team.

“He’s playing in a league where his body can be maintained really well and he’s taking care of himself, last time he came into camp he was in great shape.

“I look at his age and the amount of football he’s playing, I definitely know he’s got more to give as an athlete.

“But I read his quotes and I respect what he said about his family and concentrating on his club football.’’

Tim Cahill (C) is hoping to start New York’s next match. Source: AFP

Cahill injured his hamstring on March 30 and has made just one substitute appearance since, in the 2-1 win at home to Philadelphia Union.

A certainty to be picked in Ange Postecoglou’s 23-man squad, the Socceroos’ record goalscorer said he is ready for 90 minutes.

“I had a slight strain, I’m near enough to be fully recovered and this is the first week where I can be available to start and for full selection,’’ he said.

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