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After prematurely pulling the pin on his international career just ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup after 63 caps and nine goals, Holman, 31, is out of contract with UAE-based Emirates Club in June, and he is yet to discuss his future with club officials.

A star of the Socceroos' 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, many believe Holman was premature in exiting the international scene.

With two goals in eight games so far in an injury-interrupted season, he has no regrets or recriminations on departing the green and gold, and he is more concerned with prolonging a club career which shows few signs of losing momentum.

Asked if the A-League might tempt him at some stage, Sydney-raised Holman said: “My contract runs until the end of June and let’s wait and see what happens.

“It’s fantastic here, the family are happy and I am happy. The club have treated me well.

“I will weigh up options at the end of the season ... talk to the club and find out what they see in the future for me and then go from there.

"It would be nice to know by maybe April where the future will be so we can make some plans as a family.

"I would be more than happy to stay, but if something came up in Australia, Japan or China then that’s something I haven’t pursued up to now, but they're all exciting prospects.”

After playing a single season in the old National Soccer League with Parramatta Power, the fleet-footed attacker embarked on an adventure which took him to Feyenoord, NEC and AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, Aston Villa, Dubai-based Al Nasr and then Emirates Club.

Renowned for his searing pace, and boundless durability and endurance, Holman insists he can play on for a few years yet, despite light-hearted quips from his father that his long professional career might be taking its toll.

“I’ve had some small injuries this season and my old man was saying maybe it’s catching up with me, but in reality as you get a bit older you start understanding how to take care of yourself better and be a bit careful and cautious in how you go about things,” Holman said.

"I am feeling so well, I want to carry on for a few more years. I am not planning for life after football yet. This is not in sight at all.

"I left Australia when I was a teenager and I don't treat what I do as a job. I am still so excited to be out there smacking balls at goals.

"How the body holds up, and how much drive and desire I have, will determine how long I play. Right now, the mind is fresh and I feel great. I love what I am doing and hopefully it carries on for a few more years."

But, in a nod to an alternative life post-football, Holman is studying for his coaching badges.

“It’s something I am looking into but no firm decisions have been made on venturing down any particular path yet, because I have a lot of football left in me," he said.

"It’s just something I am doing in preparation for what could possibly be a pathway for me at some stage."

With Emirates Club languishing in 11th spot in the 14-team Arabian Gulf League, Holman said: "The club has suffered a bit of a dip and we need to try and climb out of a bit of a hole right now.

"With a bit of luck we will get back up the table because we have a decent squad."

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