Socceroo Jason Davidson has credited the influence of Tim Cahill and his Everton connections for helping him realise a dream move to English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion.
Davidson this week finally signed a two-year deal with Albion following a protracted contract dispute with Dutch Eredivisie club Heracles Almelo.
The move caps a memorable few months for the 23-year-old defender, who was among the Socceroos’ most consistent performers at the World Cup, playing all three matches.
It’s been revealed West Brom boss Alan Irvine spoke with Cahill to find out his thoughts on Davidson before signing the all-action left-back.
And Davidson admits he sought the advice of the Socceroos’ greatest-ever goal-scorer as he contemplated the next move in his career.
‘‘I’m very close to Timmy,’’ Davidson told his new club’s website www.wba.co.uk
‘‘During the World Cup, I obviously had other offers on the table, and he (Cahill) said from day one he wanted me to go to the Premier League.
‘‘He was telling me that if I get the chance to come to the Premier League, then to take it. It’s a great league and he’s been very successful here.
‘‘When West Brom came along and negotiations started, I told him about that. He was with the coach (Irvine) at Everton and he only had great words for him.
‘‘He said it was a very good club that has a lot of potential and it gives youngsters a go. That’s what you want. He was definitely somebody that really persuaded me to come here.’’
Irvine worked with Cahill during the Australians time at Everton and confirmed he spoke with the now-New York Red Bulls star before finalizing his chase for Davidson.
‘‘He recommended him very, very highly both as a player and character,’’ Irvine said.
‘‘Tim sees him as a young player who will do extremely well in England and develop even further.’’
Davidson will battle fellow new signing Sebastien Pocognoli for the starting spot at left-back. West Brom open their EPL season at home to Sunderland on August 16.