Cahill wants Pim for long term

Relieved the lengthy search for a new Socceroos coach is over, Tim Cahill has called for Pim Verbeek to receive long-term backing to bring some much-needed continuity to the national side.

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Dutchman Verbeek, 51, was last week handed the task of guiding Australia to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after Football Federation Australia concluded a dramatic 18-month quest to replace former coach Guus Hiddink.

The former Korea Reoublic coach's appointment attracted criticism from some who felt a higher-profile and more experienced head coach was needed, but in-form Everton midfielder Cahill said he was glad the FFA had come to its decision.

"I'm just pleased that finally we've got someone that wants the job, that's put their hand up and said, 'yeah I want to take this team forward'," Cahill told Sydney radio station 2KY.

"And I suppose it's a shrewd move because he knows a lot about the Asian side of football and we need that experience to improve."

Cahill was relishing the prospect of having a long-term coach following Hiddink's relatively short stint and Graham Arnold's uncertain reign as caretaker.

Asked about suggestions Verbeek could be replaced by a bigger name at the World Cup even if he successfully steered Australia to qualification, Cahill replied: "For me, that's not right."

"I'd like to think not, because we need a bit of continuity and consistency where, as players, we can have a relationship with one person and we can just move forward."

"It's not 'we'll get the biggest guy when we get there'."

"It's going to be the biggest task to get there and I think we're under no illusions how difficult (it's) going to be against the Asian teams as we found out in the last summer (losing in the Asian Cup quarter-finals)."

Cahill also expressed disappointment at Dutchman Dick Advocaat's decision to back out after earlier accepting the Socceroos job.

"It's disappointing he committed himself and then did a massive U-turn because he did have a big status in the world of football," said Cahill.

"But at least we've got a manager now that wants to manage Australia and we can move forward."

Verbeek, who worked as an assistant coach to both Hiddink and Advocaat, arrives in Australia on Thursday to begin an A-League crash course and start identifying potential squad members for the qualification campaign starting in February.

"From what I've heard there are some very interesting and talented players in the Olympic (under 23s) squad and the A-League now," Verbeek told SBS TV's The World Game on Sunday.

"It's my job to find the best combination of new talent and experienced players."

Verbeek said one of his biggest priorities was speaking to captain Mark Viduka about his international future.

"I didn't speak with Mark yet ... I have to find out first what we're going to do in the coming months," he said.

"I still think he is a very important player ... he's a top striker."

"Okay, you know he's not one of the youngest players, but he's still very valuable for the team."

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