Viduka Aims To Play For Australia 'Soon'!

But Viduka joined up with the squad at the team hotel and stated his wish to help them bid for a second successive World Cup appearance.

The Toon striker has not played for Australia since July last year, in the Asia Cup when he returned to Newcastle injured.

He said at the time, travelling to the far side of the world was hitting his Newcastle career, and was considering retiring from internationals.

Viduka: "Of course I want to play for Australia again - it's something that's never out of my mind.

"But it's a step-by-step process and the first stage is to get back playing for my club again.

"I've got to be 100% fit and 100% sure in my mind that my heel is strong enough. When that happens I'll be back for Australia."