HARRY Kewell has played down thoughts of being part of the
Socceroos squad at next year's World Cup finals in Brazil, declaring his first
priority is to his new club, Melbourne Heart.
Kewell made his first public appearance in Melbourne
yesterday since signing with the Heart six weeks ago, ahead of his official
media unveiling at AAMI Park today.
Speaking to Fox Sports News, Kewell said he was happy to be
back in Australia and was keen to finish what he described as "unfinished
business".
The former Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray star will
play in the A-League this season, 12 months after being forced to leave
Melbourne Victory for family reasons.
He will face a hostile reception from Victory fans, with
Heart to open its 2013-14 campaign against its arch-rival at Etihad Stadium on
October 12.
"It's all part of the football," Kewell said.
"My priority is to do well for Melbourne Heart.
It's a derby against Victory and I guess there will be some hostility,
but as long as they get good football I think everyone wins.
"As for the Socceroos, they did very well to qualify.
Whether I'll be there . . . you have to keep in mind my first priority is to
play well for the Heart."
Kewell, 35 in September, said he followed the Socceroos via
a live scores service.
"I am not a good watcher of football. I always prefer
to be out there and be part of it," he said.
"I am proud of everyone. We seem to take it for granted
that qualifying is going to be easy but we forget the other nations are getting
better all the time."
Kewell said he was delighted to see the younger players
coming through with the national team. "They have always been there,"
he said. "They needed to step up and a few did. It was great to see and
let's hope they continue that.
"They have a great World Cup to look forward to in
Brazil next year. It is going to be a big year and as long as they continue to
play well for their clubs then they will do well for their country."
Kewell said the fact former Socceroos teammate John Aloisi
was coaching at Heart played a part in his decision to join the club.
"It is always exciting to play under a player you know,
to work under him and experience his enthusiasm," he said. "When we
sat down, the enthusiasm he showed was exactly what I wanted to hear. I wanted
to know someone really wanted me. He showed that."
lSix players have been banned and fined by Football
Federation Australia for betting on a Brisbane premier league pre-season match.
Four Brisbane Olympic FC players and two from Rochedale
Rovers were found to have breached the national code of conduct by placing a
number of bets on a match involving the two teams in February.
