Australia coach Guus Hiddink is disappointed Everton have not released Tim Cahill.
Australia coach Guus Hiddink has voiced his disappointment at Everton's reluctance to release star midfielder Tim Cahill.The former Millwall man is suffering from fatigue and has struggled with his form this season, and Toffees boss David Moyes was hoping that The Socceroos would grant him a rest from their friendly against Jamaica on Sunday.
However Australia were unwilling to do so and in response Moyes invoked his right to keep Cahill until 48 hours before the clash, a decision that meant he missed out on a training camp with his international colleagues in Holland.
Hiddink, also PSV Eindhoven manager as well as fulfilling his international duties, has now indicated his belief that Everton's disastrous start to the season could be the root cause of Moyes' discontent, an attitude that in turn has frustrated the Dutch tactician.
"I called Moyes a few days ago and asked that Cahill be allowed to attend the camp," said Hiddink.
"Their reaction was negative and they are sticking to the 48 hours rule.
"It is a pity he is not here but, with Everton bottom of the English Premier League, they are obviously looking for reasons to keep him at home."
One player to have made the trip from Merseyside on time is Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, and Hiddink admitted he was reluctant to utilise the unfit star for a whole 90 minutes as he is recovering from a hernia operation.
"He will not be fit to play a full game," added Hiddink.
Australia are preparing to face the so far unknown South American fifth place qualifiers in a play-off for a place in the World Cup finals, and Hiddink's squad get-together has been further hampered by injuries to Middlesbrough duo Mark Viduka and Mark Schwarzer.
