Moyes blast for Aussies
13 Oct 2006 - 14:05:33
Everton boss David Moyes has criticised the Australian FA after Tim Cahill didn't return to the UK from international duty until Friday lunchtime.
Cahill played in the Socceroos' friendly with Paraguay in Brisbane and also an Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain last week, and Moyes is angry that his key midfielder was not allowed to return home at the earliest possible opportunity.
"He touched down from his 24-hour flight at midday (on Friday) and he will be sent straight home to bed to get over the jet lag," he said.
"It is always a difficult problem with players away with their countries, but in Tim's case it is worse because it is on the other side of the world.
"He played in Australia at around eight at night, which is roughly about 11am on the Wednesday our time, then he didn't fly home until Thursday evening. I find that incredible.
"From Wednesday night after the game he cannot get on a flight for almost 24 hours.
"It should be done quicker, it's something FIFA should look at with players arriving back so late.
"Australia always want their players as soon as they can to get maximum recovery and preparation for their games, but yet they stay on a day longer in Australia and then don't get them back to us until Friday."
