Cahill close to England cap - GM

30 April 2009 15:26
Cahill, 23, has proved an outstanding success since Megson persuaded the Trotters hierarchy to pay Aston Villa £5million for his services in January 2008. He helped to keep Bolton in the top flight last term and has blossomed further this season to attract admiring glances from England boss Fabio Capello. At 6ft 2in, Cahill's athleticism, speed and penchant for popping up with important goals have all impressed the Italian, who has named the rangy centre-back in his provisional squads this season. Megson feels a senior cap now beckons for Cahill - and sooner rather than later. "How close is Gary to an England cap? You would have to ask Fabio but I think it will happen," said Megson. "Fabio is aware of him because I spoken to him about Gary and one or two others. "What was said must remain private, but he's definitely aware of him." Cahill's team-mates Matty Taylor and Kevin Davies have also come under Capello's radar following a series of impressive performances this season. Megson denied suggestions that Cahill would already have a full cap to add to his Under-21 honours if he played for one of the so-called big four clubs in the Premier League. "At a top-four club he might not have had to do as much defending as he has to at this place!" reasoned Megson. "But he's done well and there are other players who aren't at top-four clubs who are doing very well. "Gary is only a young lad but he's already set in stone in terms of being one of the first names on the teamsheet. "It's never ever crossed my mind to play a game without Gary Cahill. "And I think that's what he wanted when he left Aston Villa. "He's first-choice here, he does play all the time and if he does have a game where he is maybe not at his best then he still plays the week after." Cahill refuses to get carried away with talk of a senior England cap and has paid tribute to Megson for kick-starting his career. "I hadn't felt like a big enough part of Aston Villa when I was there," admitted Cahill. "The manager has been excellent since I have been here and has shown a lot of faith in me. "That breeds confidence and you instantly know you are onto a winner. "I'm still a young lad and I've got lots of ambitions to fulfil in football, which hopefully I will do at this football club."

Source: Team_Talk