Source: Daily_Mail
Thomas Sorensen lauds former Aston Villa teammate Gary Cahill's progress
Thomas Sorensen has hailed the progress made by his former Aston Villa team-mate Gary Cahill and believes Martin O'Neill will have regretted selling the centre-back.[LNB]Cahill came through the youth ranks at Villa Park and was widely considered one of their brightest prospects, but he was given limited opportunities under then boss O'Neill before moving on to Bolton in January 2008.[LNB]The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength at the Reebok Stadium, particularly since Owen Coyle became manager 15 months ago, and has established himself in the England squad.[LNB]Coyle has already stated he expects Cahill to move on to one of the Barclays Premier League's top clubs and Sorensen, who will face his former team-mate at Wembley on Sunday when Stoke face Bolton in the FA Cup semi-finals, has not been surprised by his success.[LNB] Sterling progress: Gary Cahill has come on leaps and bounds since leaving Aston Villa[LNB]The Danish goalkeeper said: 'He came into the first team the last couple of years I was at Villa and did really well. You could definitely see the potential.[LNB]'He's a much better player now with the experience and deservedly included in the England squad. I think he's one of the bright central defensive talents in this country.'[LNB]O'Neill was criticised at the time for allowing Cahill to leave but Sorensen has sympathy for the Northern Irishman.[LNB]'When you're in a situation where you have five or six defenders, sometimes you have to let people go even though they might end up being a great player. I'm sure he might regret that now but these things happen.'[LNB]Way back when: Cahill (left) battles with Bernardo Corradi of Manchester City[LNB]Stoke will be aiming to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in their history on Sunday having come out on the losing side in three previous semi-finals.[LNB]The clash pits against each other two sides who have been short on cup glory in recent years, but Sorensen is determined Stoke will not get wrapped up in the occasion.[LNB]Manager Tony Pulis took his players down to Wembley last Monday to give them a taster, and the 34-year-old said: 'The semi-final for me is only a step towards the final. That has to be the emphasis this week.[LNB]'A lot is made of it, going to Wembley and all that, but at the end of the day the winners on Sunday don't get a trophy so that should be in our minds.[LNB]'It shouldn't be a day out. I'm going to do my best to be an experienced player and try to pass that on because it's not the end.'[LNB] True Blue Sturridge targets regular berth at Chelsea next seasonCahill targeted by Italian giants AC Milan as replacement for veteran NestaAll the latest Bolton Wanderers news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Martin O'Neill, Tony Pulis, Gary Cahill, Thomas Sorensen, Owen Coyle Places: United Kingdom
