Asian Cup 2015: Tim Cahill says ready for bench duties, talks of pride in Antonis selection

TIM Cahill spoke of his pride in Terry Antonis’s Asian Cup call up and says he expects to spend some time on the bench.

Australian Socceroos Media & Training Session

TERRY Antonis is 14 years Tim Cahill’s junior, but he’s endured plenty of hardships in his fledgling football career.

Considering Cahill’s path to stardom was a rocky road, having to scrap through England’s lower tier to make it as a pro then battling FIFA red tape to represent Australia, he’s not a bad mentor.

And Cahill has in fact been there for the journey.

Terry Antonis (aged 11) with Tim Cahill.

Having met a decade ago when Cahill just joined Everton from Millwall, they have since struck up an unlikely friendship that has seen both Sydney-based families become tight.

Now the pair prepare to lace up for the Socceroos together for the first time and Cahill said Antonis reminds him of another young gun tearing the Premier League apart.

“This is one of my proudest moments because of our relationship. But Terry’s not here because we’re mates, he’s here because he’s produced in the A-League,’’ Cahill said.

“I didn’t know we would get this opportunity and to be honest we’ve spent pretty much the whole camp together.

“When I started playing with Ross Barkley at 16, it wasn’t about us shouting to the world what’s happened, it’s about him letting him show his talent.’’

And had things panned out differently, Antonis may have been one of the English players returning home on Wednesday instead on an A-League early arrival.

Everton signed Antonis on a long-term deal seven years ago but visa restrictions stopped him from moving abroad.

“From young age knew he had attributes, about nurturing him to be next best thing,’’ Cahill said.

Tim Cahill is relishing leading the line for the Socceroos.

“In different circumstances he wouldn’t have been playing in Australia, all these years he would’ve been playing on the biggest stages in the world.

“For me it’s unfortunate because I was nurturing him to be a Premier League player.

“When he sat with David Moyes and talked, we spoke about building up his body.

“He was already developed (technically) hence why Everton threw the kitchen sink at him but due to difficulties in moving from Australia it couldn’t be fulfilled.’’

Antonis rembered his Everton trip like it was yesterday.

“It was a great opportunity and experience to go to an EPL club, one of biggest clubs, with Tim helping me,’’ Antonis said.

“I went over a couple of times when Tim was there and trained with Everton. But I came back to Australia (when his visa was rejected) and I’ve moved on from there.

“Tim taught me a lot, ever since I was young I looked up to him.

“He’s one of the best players to have come through Australia and everything he’s said to me I’ve taken it (on board).

Antonis and Cahill grab a press conference selfie.

“Some of the information he’s given me, it’s got me here.

“When I was really young he just said keep on training and working hard.’’

Since then and becoming one of Sydney FC’s key players, Antonis has had many setbacks.

Despite a botched contract with Italian giants Parma, missing the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup due to injury and injury forcing him to withdraw from the last two Socceroos camps, he’s remained focused on his club.

“The last 6-12 months was a tough time for me but I haven’t had a full season yet for Sydney FC and I was more focused on that,’’ he said.

Cahill was confident that the skilled 21-year-old would make an impact at the Asian Cup.

“I really believed in Terry because he was that kid that deserved a chance but needed the right pathway,’’ Cahill said.

“He’s definitely a player that can break defences.

“The boss (Ange Postecoglou) has seen it and knows what he can deliver if given the opportunity.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Tim Cahill says ready for bench duties, talks of pride in Antonis selection