Osieck - Kewell’s not done yet

Qantas Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has given Harry Kewell his backing, saying the un-signed attacker still has plenty to offer the Australian national team, despite missing the squad to face Scotland next week.

Qantas Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has given Harry Kewell his backing, saying the un-signed attacker still has plenty to offer the Australian national team, despite missing the squad to face Scotland next week.

Kewell is still without a club after returning to England for family reasons, and has admitted he does not know what his short-term future holds.

But in an exclusive video for footballaustralia.com.au, Osieck said Kewell, recently voted Australia-s greatest ever player, still has a future with the Socceroos.

“It-s very unfortunate for him that right now he-s hanging in between, no club, and still waiting for some kind of signing,” Osieck said.

“I hope it will work out quickly. He still has great potential and whenever I had him in the group he was a very positive asset.”

Some have drawn comparisons with Socceroos captain Lucas Neill, also currently without a club, but Osieck said his skipper is still match-fit and is set to continue his stint in the Middle East.

“It-s a very different situation [with Lucas],” Osieck said. “Although he is also in between clubs, he has been working with clubs and is close to re-signing with one of the Middle East teams. In his role as captain, he-s very important to me and the team.”

The national boss also gave his verdict on Tim Cahill move to the United States, saying he believed the switch would keep the Socceroos midfielder in good condition.

“Although he was still on the two-year contract with Everton, he opted for a new challenge in north America, which is a new environment for him and he thinks it-s a good move for him.

“The MLS is becoming stronger and stronger and has developed tremendous over the last couple of years. I can understand a player looking for a new challenge. He-s going to be forced to show his best and that-s positive for the Socceroos as well.”

The Qantas Socceroos face Scotland at 5am AEST on Thursday, 16 August (Australian) and the match will be live and exclusive on Fox Sports.