I'LL never forget this summer!

Of course, we're disappointed not to get through to the second round of the World Cup following our goalless draw in our final group game with Paraguay.

When we walked out into the stadium yesterday there was an electric atmosphere and it was a great opportunity to achieve something really special.

Unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to be.

It was a really tight game and one goal would have won it.

The longer the game went on we felt we might be able to pinch a goal from a set-piece.

But there were only a couple of half-chances in the game for either side really.

At times it was quite a frustrating afternoon but I don't think we could have done much more.

I was itching to get on as soon as the first whistle went - and just wanted to try and make an impact when I eventually came on for Rory Fallon in the 69th minute.

We went away with no regrets from the game.

To be unbeaten at the World Cup in our three matches is a feat not many teams achieve.

It's something to take away with us.

Looking back now, we have done our country proud.

Nobody expected us to achieve what we have and who'd have thought we would finish above current World Champions, Italy, in our group.

My best memory is playing against Italy, beating a world-class defender like Fabio Cannavaro and almost scoring - that moment will stay with me for a long time.

I have great memories of the lads around the camp and all the good times we've had and the great mates I've made over the couple of months we've been together as a group.

Back home the nation is buzzing over what we've achieved and hopefully that will be great for football in New Zealand.

Australia have been the dominate force in Atipodean football for so long and have achieved a lot more than we have.

But hopefully over the course of my career we can catch them up and go one step further.

At least by competing well at this World Cup we are beginning to close the gap.

Us missing out on a place in the last 16 at least turned out well for my friend Marek Cech as Slovakia went through as runners-up at our exepense.

I'm chuffed for Marek.

By all accounts, Slovakia played well against Italy and deserve their place in the last 16.

Holland will be a tough game for them but they came out and beat Italy, so anything is possible.

We fly out of South Africa tonight and I'm heading straight back to England.

I'm sure there will be plenty of fans to welcome the rest of the boys when they land in New Zealand.

It's a shame I can't be with them.

Personally, I'm looking forward to getting settled into my new house in England and seeing my girlfriend Mel, and my family.

Summers don't get much bigger than this - a World Cup and a new house!

Fortunately, I don't have to report in for pre-season training at Albion until July 24 so now I'm going to take advantage of some time to relax and recharge the batteries after a long, hard season.

I realised the other day, that I've actually been playing football at various levels, non-stop, since July 2008.

Last summer I was playing in the Confederations Cup and had no break between seasons.

At least I've got a few weeks now and, as well as heading over to Germany to watch my sister Chelsey play for the Kiwis in the Under-20 Women's World Cup, I'll be going on holiday to Tunisia.

Before I sign off my World Cup diary I want to say a huge thank you to all the Baggies fans who have mailed me supportive messages throughout the tournament.

I hope I can repay you all with decent performances in the Premier League next term.