Holman wants to emulate Cahill

Holamn has failed to get a permanent role in the AZ Alkmaar team that won the Eredivisie last season.

“Tim’s a special player. I’ve always looked up to him and he plays his role to perfection,” Holman told The World Game.

“He’s excellent in the air, knows how to get in the box undetected to score goals, and I watch him closely and try and see how I might adapt what he does to my own game.

“I sometimes wonder how he gets in those positions and I’m trying to learn from that because I know I need to score more.

“I feel confident in creating chances for others but scoring gives you another dimension, and who better to get inspiration from than Tim? Just look at the two goals he got for us against Japan in our final World Cup qualifier.

“That’s what sets him apart.”

Holman has heldt talks with new AZ Alkmaar boss Ronaldo Koeman about his future at the club.

He continued: “I’ve spoken to the new boss about my situation and it’s looking more positive for me.

“I need to get more game time. I’ve already played a lot in our warm up games for the new season and I think I can look forward to a lot more opportunities than last season.

“I didn’t get much of a look-in with Van Gaal and not a lot of contact with him. Ronald Koeman is more my type. He speaks to me more which helps because when you’re not communicating it doesn’t do you any good.”