Melbourne Heart’s resurgence could have the unintended effect of denying Harry Kewell a last-ditch shot at playing in a third World Cup.
Kewell is already at the very fringes of Ange Postecoglou’s plans for Brazil, having missed selection in his two initial squads.
Sidelined by a toe injury for Heart’s most impressive performances, Kewell returned for the final 10 minutes of Saturday night’s 4-0 derby win over Melbourne Victory.
While Heart’s captain capped his return with a fine goal, coach John van ‘t Schip couldn’t guarantee a return to the starting line-up for Kewell with his other forwards in such fine form.
“At the moment the competition is on,” he said.
“We have a week before the game in Newcastle, we have to see how players come back in training – who’s fit, who’s mentally ready.
“Harry is one of those fit again, so he’s in competition to be one of the players again as well, but we’re also looking at what has happened in the last few games.
“There’s a lot to think about.”
David Williams, who now leads the A-League’s scoring charts with 10 goals, Mate Dugandzic and Iain Ramsay have developed a near telepathic understanding during Heart’s return to form.
As long as Heart keep winning, it seems 35-year-old Kewell will be restricted to the bench, cruelling his chances of impressing Postecoglou.
The Socceroos coach has repeatedly stressed the value of playing consistently and playing well – with Kewell only fulfilling the latter of those criteria.
Kewell was last seen in action in a Socceroos strip in June 2012 under Holger Osieck in a scoreless draw with Oman.
Three years ago Kewell was a key part of the 2011 Asian Cup campaign that ended in defeat in the final to Japan but he has played in just three competitive games for the Socceroos since then.
But that is of little concern to van `t Schip, as he ponders his selections that have so far led Heart up the table and into the finals mix.
The Dutchman said the dilemma of having too many in-form players wasn’t keeping him up at night.
Kewell is out of contract at the end of the season, with Heart’s Manchester City take-over and off-season revitalisation throwing doubt on his playing future.
tommaso
Guest
DW terribly overrated - how could you possibly pick him ahead of HK even for Melbourne Heart !
fadida
Guest
100% Stevo. Williams is incredibly inconsistent. This season is a purple patch rather than any coming of age. He's well short of NT standard. Taggart on the other hand has massive potential
Stevo
Guest
Willo, Taggart on 10 goals each and Troisi on 9 this season. Willo 26 yrs of age, Taggart 20 and Troisi 25. On balance I like the look of Taggart, his goal sense and strikers instinct and has many years ahead of him. Willo has some glaring skill deficiencies that will easily be found out at the WC against quality defenders.
clayts
Guest
I got howled down for suggesting he was ahead of Troisi on form the other day
danno
Guest
Kewell, if he can get enough game time for Ange's liking, is our best 'super-sub' option I reckon.
Punter
Guest
I like the idea of Kewell still playing a role like a super sub. While I'm all for regeneration of the younger players, that pure genius that Kewell possesses has not been replicated since his decline.
Franko
Guest
Came on for the final 10 minutes and scored. Keeps that up and a plane ticket is not out of the question. Be nice for Oar to start, go hell for leather and at 75 min bring on Harry for a moment of genius, maybe conjure up a goal so that we can at least lose 4-1.
Patrick Hargreaves
Roar Guru
If David Williams wins the golden boot surely that books him a WC spot? He's youngish, and actually is scoring goals rather than being picked on hype and conjecture. With Kruse most likely not playing he'd be a good replacement.