Megson: England future for Cahill

10 September 2009 15:47
The 23-year-old was called into Fabio Capello's squad again for last weekend's friendly against Slovenia because of injury worries to Terry and Wes Brown. Both players recovered in time to render Cahill an interested spectator but the fact his Wanderers' form has been recognised by the national coach speaks volumes. It also raises the hopes of the Sheffield-born defender of appearing at a first World Cup in South Africa next summer. Cahill was Bolton's player of the season in the last campaign and has been the club's most consistent performer since signing from Aston Villa for £5million in January 2008. He was reportedly a target of Arsenal in the summer, prompting Megson to slap a £20million valuation on the player, but Cahill repaid his manager by signing a new three-year contract last month. Although Terry and Ferdinand are likely to remain Capello's first-choice pairing for the foreseeable future - and certainly leading up to the World Cup - Megson sees a time when Cahill will earn an England start on his own merits. "I don't think it makes it more difficult for him that England have qualified for the World Cup. It is as difficult as it always has been," said Megson. "I think he is the best young English centre-half in the country but he is having to compete with some world-class defenders in Terry and Rio Ferdinand. "Then you've got Joleon Lescott, Matthew Upson, Phil Jagielka when he gets fit but I do think if Gary got the opportunity that he would not come out of the team again. "But he has just got to keep doing well for us and hope that, in doing so, it takes him where he wants to be on the international scene." Cahill returned from England duty injury-free and Megson is hopeful the rest of his internationals do the same ahead of Saturday's match at Portsmouth. "We spoke to all the players last night just to find out how long they had played, how they are feeling and what shape they are in," added the Wanderers boss. "They will all come back in dribs and drabs over the course of the next 24 hours and we will make a decision from there."

Source: Team_Talk