"It started out as a tough season because I got injuries, and then I couldn't get back into the starting XI. But I fought for a place just by working hard in training and reserve games," he said.
Up until he suffered a thigh injury at the end of last month, Holland enjoyed a regular run in the side since October. He's notched up a further 11 appearances since the Addicks knocked Chelsea out of the Carling Cup.
"We've lost some of the attractive football we played earlier in the season and maybe it's not been too great to watch but we had to stop the run of defeats," he added.
Holland’s final bow for the Republic of Ireland, that took him to 49 international caps, was at Lansdowne Road against Switzerland. The goalless draw confirmed the Irish wouldn’t get to compete in the World Cup finals this summer.
"It was a sad day for me announcing my retirement but I have some great memories. It would've been nice to reach 50 caps but I felt it was the right time for me to quit. Captaining the side in Scotland was one, and of course scoring that goal against Cameroon at the 2002 World Cup."
Source: South London Press