Holland keen to soak up cup experience as he eyes start in 2014
BY JOSH LEESON
26 May, 2010 07:40 AM
FORMER Jets midfielder James Holland plans to use his time in South Africa to fuel his starting XI aspirations for the 2014 World Cup.

The Central Coast-bred 21-year-old was named yesterday in the 28-man provisional Australian World Cup squad.

Former Jets Jade North and Nicky Carle were surprise omissions.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has indicated he is unlikely to include Holland and fellow young gun Tommy Oar in his final 23-man squad and that they had been included in the provisional squad for the experience.

Holland hopes to be a sponge in South Africa, soaking up the knowledge of senior players and coaches with Brazil in mind.

"I want to be in the starting XI in four years' time and I've got a lot of work to do," Holland told the Herald yesterday.

"I don't want to go to Brazil as an experience, I'll use this as a good experience and I'll push until Pim gives me the final verdict to give myself every chance.

"I can't look too far ahead yet, but it [2014 World Cup] does cross your mind."

Four years ago, Holland was a 17-year-old student passionately supporting the Socceroos in his Blue Haven lounge room.

Since then he has won an A-League title with the Jets, played for the Young Socceroos, Olyroos and Socceroos and moved to the Netherlands to play.

"The last two and a half years have been a roller-coaster, but I've really enjoyed it and I guess hard work pays off," he said.

"I believe if you work hard you'll reap the rewards, and so far it's worked out well for me."

In January last year, Holland signed a five-year deal with Dutch giants AZ Alkmaar.

He has spent most of his 14 months at AZ Alkmaar in their reserves side, but he is confident of making a bigger impact next season.

"This season I'm going to get more of an opportunity, as they have given me the last 14 months to get myself adjusted, they're happy with me," he said yesterday.

"The first six months were tough adjusting and I obviously wasn't playing in the first team, but last year has been really good and particularly in the last six months."

Holland lives in Alkmaar, which is a 40-minute drive north from capital city Amsterdam, with his older sister Katie.

The Socceroos fly out for Johannesburg today and Holland said he was clinging to the slight chance he might play a part in the cup.

"It's football, so anything's possible," he said.

"Obviously I'd never wish for anyone to get injured but there is a chance that I might get a chance so we'll have to wait and see. You never say never."


http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/holland-keen-to-soak-up-cup-experience-as-he-eyes-start-in-2014/1839792.aspx