Cahill: ´Total break has rejuvenated me´

Tim Cahill says skipping Australia’s June friendlies has benefitted him.

The 31-year-old Everton midfielder struggled through the second half of last season with a foot problem but is feeling fresh after taking a break during the European summer.

Everton’s Socceroo Tim Cahill says he has greatly benefitted from a rare break over the off-season after skipping Australia’s June friendlies against New Zealand and Serbia.

The 31-year-old midfielder was a key part of the Australian sides which competed at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar.

Cahill, who scored nine goals for Everton before Christmas last term before aggravating a foot injury while on duty with the Socceroos, opted to miss Australia’s friendlies to give himself a well-earned break.

“Everyone needs a rest. It’s common sense. There are a lot of players at every club who play internationals year-in year-out,” Cahill told the Liverpool Echo.

“Last season in two competitions, the World Cup and the Asia Cup. I’ll never turn that kind of opportunity down, so the rest has been good.”

“The two games I have missed had two good points – other players were getting a chance to play for their country and I had 180 minutes where I didn’t have to play.”

Cahill has been enjoying pre-season with his team-mates at Everton as they prepare for the new Premier League campaign.

“For me, I’ve never done a pre-season properly from the start with the team because I’ve been playing internationals,” Cahill said.

“So to train with them straight away has been easier for me, I don’t have to come back later and fit in a mini pre-season.”

“Coming back earlier has benefitted me and I already feel really good.”