New Caltex Socceroos boss Bert van Marwijk refused to speculate on World Cup selections but admitted he’s pleased with Tim Cahill’s recent move to the English Championship.
Van Marwijk, 65, was last week announced as Australia’s new Head Coach for June’s tournament, taking over from Ange Postecoglou.
The Dutchman flew into Sydney from Holland on Thursday and immediately addressed a large media contingent at FFA headquarters.
Cahill, without a club since early December, signed a short-term deal earlier this week with former club Millwall through until the end of the season.
Australia’s all-time leading goal-scorer left Melbourne City in order to boost his playing time ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Asked whether Cahill would be an automatic selection for Russia’s tournament, van Marwijk offered no guarantees.
“I think it’s a very good signal that he’s gone to play now for Millwall,” van Marwijk told reporters on Thursday.
“But I will not say anything about the quality of the players. I never did.”
Van Marwijk will remain in Australia over the next week with the former Saudi Arabia boss to run his eye over a number of locally-based players in the Hyundai A-League this weekend.
