By DAN KARELL
With the 2014 World Cup looming next summer, New York Red Bulls forward Tim Cahill is already considering plans to help prepare him for Brazil.
The Socceroos midfielder helped his nation qualify automatically with a 1-0 victory over Iraq on June 18, and with the long offseason in Major League Soccer spanning from early December to the start of March, Cahill is considering returning to the Premier League to keep match fitness.
“Footballers need to play,” Cahill told the Herald Sun. “That’s what I did before I came into the Socceroos World Cup qualifying campaign and I think when you’re playing and keeping fit you’re keeping that momentum there. It’s the best thing for any player.
“My first option would be to go on loan to the Premier League or somewhere in Europe,” Cahill said.
The subject of a winter loan move to England is nothing new for Cahill, who made similar proclamations a year ago only to have the Red Bulls balk at any winter loans for Cahill or Thierry Henry.
Cahill spent eight years at Everton FC before moving to the Red Bulls in July 2012. With a new manager taking charge of the Toffees after David Moyes’ departure to Manchester United, it is unclear just where in Europe Cahill would seek a loan to.
Cahill looks non-committal about a decision, with plenty of time before the end of the MLS season, and currently working to overcome a groin injury suffered in the last match he played in Sydney, Australia.
What do you make of this report? Would you be in favor of a winter loan for Cahill? Do you see the Red Bulls allowing him to go abroad?
Share your thoughts below.