Viduka Steers Leeds Into Fa Cup 4th Round - Aussie

With the majority of world leagues still in winter recess, third round FA Cup ties have dominated English soccer this week, with a multitude of our Aussies Abroad involved in the action.

Leading the charge was LG Socceroo striker Mark Viduka, who notched up his 14th goal of the season, in Leeds' 1-0 victory over Barnsley.

With the majority of world leagues still in winter recess, third round FA Cup ties have dominated English soccer this week, with a multitude of our Aussies Abroad involved in the action. Leading the charge was LG Socceroo striker Mark Viduka, who notched up his 14th goal of the season, in Leeds' 1-0 victory over Barnsley. Viduka's match-winner came in the ninth minute, with Leeds again having to do without the services of Harry Kewell, who it seems will now miss up to a month of action after picking up a double - a kick to his achilles and a calf strain, in recent play. The fourth round draw has not been particularly kind to Leeds, but the tie, against Liverpool, will see Viduka hoping to emulate his previous four goal haul against the Merseysiders. Also advancing to the fourth round is Sheffield Wednesday, beating Norwich 2-1 at home to set up a meeting with Southampton … Con Blatsis was replaced in the 90th minute for Wednesday, and is only likely to play for the first division side in the next round if his loan period is extended. He could however still play for Derby County, who will meet Blackburn Rovers in the next round … Rovers defeated Chester 2-0, with John Filan remaining on the bench. Kevin Muscat played a full game, and cleared a shot off the line as Wolves advanced with a 1-0 away win over Nottingham Forest, Gareth Edds putting in a full effort in Forest's defeat. Danny Tiatto played a full match and was responsible for his side's opening goal, providing the corner from where it was scored, as Manchester City beat Birmingham City 3-2 at home, to set up a meeting with Coventry City in the next round. Stan Lazaridis played the full game for Birmingham City and delivered the cross for his side's second goal, while John Aloisi remained on the bench as Coventry City beat Swindon Town 2-0 to set up the meeting against Tiatto's club … on the receiving end with Swindon Town was Danny Invincibile, who played a full match. Also on the receiving end of defeat was Shaun Murphy, who put in a full ninety minutes as Sheffield United was eliminated 1-0 by Southampton. As yet undecided are the fates of Queens Park Rangers and Notts County … George Kulcsar was replaced at half-time in QPR's 3-3 draw with Luton Town, while Danny Allsopp played a full game as Notts County drew 2-2 away to Wimbledon. In the Conference League, John Brady played a full match, as Rushden & Diamonds beat Southport 3-1 away from home, with Scott Guyett putting in a full 90 minutes for Southport, while Vince Matassa also put in a full game as Woking drew 1-1 at home with Doncaster. Midweek, LG Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Bosnich marked his return to action, playing a full game for Manchester United in a specially arranged friendly against Wrexham, a fixture that provided the opportunity for several players coming back from injury to gain match-fitness … the game finished in a 4-4 draw. And the draw for the third round of the Scottish Cup has been made, possibly pitting three Australians against eachother in one game … Rangers takes on third division Brechin, with defenders Tony Vidmar and Craig Moore in line to take on Brechin striker Ben Honeyman .. in other games, Stuart Lovell's Hibernian will take on Clyde, while Chris Coyne's Dundee will meet Falkirk, all ties to be played January 27/28. In off-field news, LG Socceroo midfielder Brett Emerton seems to have caught the eye of former Australian boss Terry Venables, with English reports having the Feyenoord player's progress being monitored by Venables and Middlesbrough .. Emerton however, only in the first of a four year contract, seems to be content to stay with the Dutch League leaders for the time being. And finally, several of our overseas stars have cause for celebration this week … Stuart Lovell and Mark Bosnich both turn 29 … Jon Brady celebrates his 26th birthday, while Adrian Caceres turns 19 … and Stan and Mary Lazaridis will be getting used to some sleepless nights with the arrival of their first child, Dior Patrice Lazaridis.