Viduka set to concentrate on Newcastle
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
NEWCASTLE, Dec 24 (AFP): Mark Viduka's enduring value to club and country is beyond question but it appears Newcastle United, indebted to the Australian for a brace against Derby County Sunday, are winning a battle for the forward's loyalty.
The former Middlesbrough striker is preparing to turn his back on the Socceroos in the New Year to focus fully on the task of transforming the Magpies from a mid-table team mired in mediocrity into a side capable of sustaining a top six challenge.
The Australian has hinted that he is unlikely to play against Qatar in his country's opening World Cup qualifying match in Melbourne on February 6, though new Socceroos's coach Pim Verbeek is still hopeful of persuading the striker to play a part later in the campaign.
"He is still a dangerous striker and an experienced striker, and if he can still bring something to the team, I will try to convince him that it is necessary (for him to play)", Verbeek said on December 13.
VidukaÂ's decision could keep the Newcastle manager, Sam Allardyce, in a job and prevent United's supporters from deserting St JamesÂ's Park in their droves.
"Viduka showed the way forward with his finishing on a day when we've not converted nearly enough chances," said the MagpiesÂ' manager, in the wake of his team's fortunate 2-2 draw with the Premier League's bottom club.
The former Middlesbrough striker is preparing to turn his back on the Socceroos in the New Year to focus fully on the task of transforming the Magpies from a mid-table team mired in mediocrity into a side capable of sustaining a top six challenge.
The Australian has hinted that he is unlikely to play against Qatar in his country's opening World Cup qualifying match in Melbourne on February 6, though new Socceroos's coach Pim Verbeek is still hopeful of persuading the striker to play a part later in the campaign.
"He is still a dangerous striker and an experienced striker, and if he can still bring something to the team, I will try to convince him that it is necessary (for him to play)", Verbeek said on December 13.
VidukaÂ's decision could keep the Newcastle manager, Sam Allardyce, in a job and prevent United's supporters from deserting St JamesÂ's Park in their droves.
"Viduka showed the way forward with his finishing on a day when we've not converted nearly enough chances," said the MagpiesÂ' manager, in the wake of his team's fortunate 2-2 draw with the Premier League's bottom club.