Source: Team_Talk
I'm ready to rock, Cahill tells Capello
olton defender Gary Cahill insists he is "ready for it" if handed his full England debut in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier in Switzerland.[LNB] The Trotters centre-half made the breakthrough at senior international level when he replaced the injured Michael Dawson during Friday night's 4-0 win over Bulgaria at Wembley.[LNB]He was the first Trotters player to play for England since striker Michael Ricketts nearly eight years ago.[LNB]Cahill had been in contention for a World Cup squad spot until a blood clot in his left arm in February hindered those hopes.[LNB]But he gave a competent performance alongside Phil Jagielka after Dawson suffered a twisted knee and ankle when falling awkwardly.[LNB]And the ex-Aston Villa player is confident he will not let head coach Fabio Capello down if handed the chance against the Swiss.[LNB]Cahill said: "It wasn't ideal to come on in those circumstances because, when you see a team-mate on the floor looking in pain like Michael, it takes the edge off it a little bit.[LNB]"Although I was happy to be playing and extremely proud to represent my country, when you come back in the changing room and see him injured on the bed, it does take a bit of shine off it.[LNB]"That aside, I really enjoyed it. I've been in and around the squad for eight games or so now, just keeping my head down and waiting for a chance to come on and show what I can do.[LNB]"I was so hungry to get on there and I enjoyed it.[LNB]"It is strange coming on as a sub. You have to pick up the pace of the game straight away.[LNB]"With it being my debut, it was something I hadn't done yet, coming on at Wembley and playing, so that was strange as well."[LNB]Cahill admitted: "Coming back from that injury (blood clot) makes you appreciate things a lot more and I came on the pitch with a smile on my face.[LNB]"You never want to be injured. You just want to be out there playing football. You can't do anything when injured so, touch wood, I can kick on in my career."[LNB]As regards Tuesday's possible start, Cahill said: "Listen, from being a little lad, you strive to play for your country and be where you are now.[LNB]"Yes, why not? I am ready for it, definitely, if called upon. It is the manager's decision.[LNB]"There are good centre-backs in the squad but, if called upon, I'll be more than happy to go out and play, more than proud."[LNB]Cahill, 24, added: "I think the opportunity is there because I've got maybe a bit of age on my side and I can learn from the more experienced boys and they can show me the ropes.[LNB]"I've got my debut out of the way, which is a big thing. You come in the squad thinking 'when is the chance going to come'. You just want to make that first step and debut.[LNB]"That has been done, I can learn off the boys in front of me, top-quality players, and hopefully be part of the England set-up for a long time to come."[LNB]Sheffield born Cahill's hero as a youngster was former England defender Des Walker.[LNB]He said: "Being a Sheffield lad, I watched quite a few games there and he was playing centre-back for Wednesday and England at that time.[LNB]"I used to watch him quite a bit, a top player."
