Viduka Ruled Out For The Rest Of The Season

Middlesbrough have confirmed that Qantas Socceroo striker Mark Viduka will miss the remainder of the English Premier League season, after re-injuring his troublesome hamstring last weekend.

Middlesbrough have confirmed that Qantas Socceroo striker Mark Viduka (pictured right) will miss the remainder of the English Premier League season, after re-injuring his troublesome hamstring last weekend.

The news is a blow to Australia-s crucial World Cup preparations at the FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005, as he is crucial to our chances of making it through to the 2006 World Cup.

Viduka-s comeback last weekend lasted just 12 minutes against Crystal Palace, after initially injuring himself on Boxing Day.

His manager Steve McLaren said he wants the Australian star to prepare himself for the start of next season.

If Viduka is unable to play at the Confederations Cup in June, he may join Liverpool striker/midfielder Harry Kewell on the sidelines, who is also unlikely to play again this season because of a nagging groin injury.