Phil Jagielka, defender for Everton and England, is expressing his support for Tim Cahill to ensure the club is in a secure spot before he heads off to join Australia for the 2011 Asian Cup.
Throughout a disappointing first half of the English Premier League season for Everton, Cahill has emerged as one of the few bright spots.
Instead of capitalizing on four consecutive top-eight finishes, the Merseyside club finds itself at the lower end of the table, starting Saturday’s home fixture against relegation-threatened Wigan just two points clear of the relegation zone.
However, midfielder Cahill is demonstrating impressive form, netting eight of his team’s 18 league goals, and manager David Moyes has acknowledged the significant void his absence will create.
The Sydney-born player, now 31 years old, is expected to miss three league matches, including the Merseyside derby at Liverpool on January 16, as well as potentially two FA Cup matches should Everton advance past Scunthorpe while he is away with Australia in Qatar.
Cahill’s absence presents a substantial challenge for Everton, yet Jagielka maintains faith in the former Millwall player’s ability to keep scoring before he leaves for the Middle East.
“Fortunately for us, Tim has been performing exceptionally well, contributing with his goals, but
we all share a sense of frustration,” Jagielka, who has seven England caps, remarked.
“Let’s hope he can find a way to maximize his goal tally before he heads off.
“Nonetheless, we need to remain focused on the present and not get too caught up in what lies ahead in January.
“Our hope is that upon his return, he will be energized, full of his usual flair, and ready to resume where he left off.”
Buford Balony says: As long as Jagielka is happy, that’s all that matters.
