The day after his two former clubs clash at the MCG in front of a sellout 90,000 crowd, Harry Kewell is set to make a far lower-key Melbourne Heart debut in regional Victoria.
Kewell is on track to play in the Heart’s first pre-season friendly in Shepparton on July 25 against a Goulburn North-East All-Stars side.
While coach John Aloisi will have the final say, noises from the club suggest Kewell is almost certain to play.
The 34-year-old has impressed all at Heart with his efforts at training in his two weeks at the club, and also needs match practice after playing just three games in the past year.
Kewell admits the early pre-season training has been tough as the Heart build up to an A-League opener against his former club Melbourne Victory on October 12.
“It’s tough, they’ve really put me through my paces,” Kewell told the Heart’s web site on Wednesday.
“Of course I’m looking forward to (the season), especially the first game.
“The team’s all excited about it, but we do have to conserve our energy because there’s a long way to go. It’s a big pre-season.”
Should Kewell play at Shepparton’s McEwen Reserve, it will be just 24 hours after Victory’s match against another of Kewell’s former clubs, English giants Liverpool.
The Socceroo said he was enjoying life at his new club, believing the rejigged Heart can perform well this season.
Kewell, Dutch centre-back Rob Wielaert, former Adelaide United winger Iain Ramsay and ex-Roar midfielder Massimo Murdocca head the club’s new signings.
“I’m enjoying it. There is a good strong core here and the players have welcomed me with open arms and it’s exciting to be here at the moment because Melbourne Heart are building something,” Kewell said.
Aloisi and assistant coach Hayden Foxe are currently in England undertaking a UEFA coaching course, and will return next week when a decision will be made on playing Kewell in Shepparton.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Wow - you've changed your tune. 24 months ago, you expressed nothing but contempt for Harry when he returned to play for MVFC - you suggested he was too old, too injury-prone, etc. Perhaps, you think Harry's become younger in the past 24 months?
Stevo
Guest
And hopefully they haven't burnt many bridges during their time OS :)
realfootball
Guest
Looking forward to seeing him at Lismore on 25 August. A good pre season under his belt and he might just fight his way back into Roos contention, even if - as is likely - coming off the bench. Will be interesting to see what kind of a lift he can produce in Heart's gates. The lustre has certainly dimmed since his Victory signing.
Titus
Guest
It's turning into a really nice story this one, rid of the circus and just Australia's greatest ever footballer playing for the love of the game. I really hope he has a great season and is on the plane to Rio.
Franko
Guest
You know that between Foxe and Aloisi they have played at: Standard Liège, Antwerp, Cremonese, Portsmouth (X2), Coventry City, Osasuna, Alavés, Arminia Bielefeld , Sanfrecce Hiroshima, West Ham & Leeds United I hope they use these links to sign some quality players soon.
Stevo
Guest
As long as they know where to stick 'em and get the job done for us this year on the pitch I'll be chuffed. Hope they're also running the rule over a few strikers that can bang them in.
Stevo
Guest
When was the last time that a regional area got a look at a current and certified Socceroos legend. Onya HK.
pete4
Guest
Great to see HK heading out to regional Victoria and getting a full pre-season under his belt
Franko
Guest
Good on Harry for getting on with the job. Hope he can stay injury free and have a solid season with the Heart. I'd be interested to know more about the badges Aloisi and Foxe are getting at the moment.