Cahill to prolong Aussie career

Last updated : 14 August 2011 By Team Talk

The 31-year-old missed a large proportion of last season after picking up an injury playing for Australia in the 2011 Asia Cup, much to club boss David Moyes' frustration.

Cahill, who once represented Samoa at underage level, was instrumental in FIFA changing its ruling to allow players to switch allegiance from the country they represent at youth.

The Everton midfielder was forced to take football's governing body to court to kick-start his Australia career back in 2004 and is therefore reluctant to give it up easily.

"I had to fight a massive court case just for the right to play for my country - and I won't stop playing until my body stops," Cahill told the Daily Star Sunday.

"It's a big thing for us to play for Australia and you do it whenever you can. It has given me some of the best moments of my life and I won't give that up.

"It is not in my mentality to stop. Would you say to Steven Gerrard or John Terry or any of the top players for England that now you are 31, will you stop playing for England?"

The midfielder, who has scored 24 goals in 53 appearances for his country of birth, is just five goals shy of former Perth Glory striker Damian Mori's all-time top-scoring record for Australia.

And after adding to his tally against Wales in midweek, the former Millwall man is eager to continue his prolific record.

"I am now close to Damian Mori's goals record for Australia - and I would love to beat it," said Cahill.

"I love football. You try as hard as you can for your club and your country, too."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk