Viduka Adds To Big Sam Woe!

Last updated : 27 December 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Viduka, by his own admission, has had a slower start to his Newcastle career than he would have liked because he was left feeling jaded after his involvement in Australia's Asia Cup campaign in Thailand in the summer.

As a result, the former Middlesbrough man decided to retire from international football so that he could concentrate his energy on his club career.

But Viduka is having second thoughts.

Viduka: "I haven't made a decision about Australia yet.

"I'm going to have a meeting with the new manager soon and we'll discuss it. I've spoken to him on the phone and they want me to carry on playing international football.

"We'll have a good chat in the New Year and we'll see what happens from there. There has been talk of coming to a compromise where I won't be asked to play in all the World Cup qualifiers. It's pretty hectic, there are midweek games where I'd have to fly to Australia or Iraq and that takes it out of you.

"I think I'll have to wait until I've spoken to him and to see exactly what would be expected of me. It's an extremely tough decision to make. I love playing for Australia, but I also want to give my best to Newcastle.

"I think the Asia Cup left me feeling jaded. It took it out of me mentally more than physically and that held me back at the start of the season, I think. I'm starting to get back into it and these two goals will certainly help. Do I hate being a substitute? Hate is a strong word, but nobody likes being on the bench. I don't like not being involved, but all I can do is do my best. I've been around long enough for people to know what I can and can't do, I don't think I have anything to prove."