Viduka could still be Wizard of Oz

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 23, 2009

MARK VIDUKA can still lead Australia's attack at next year's World Cup - regardless of his future at Newcastle.

The Aussie striker is out of contract at St James's Park this summer, but the big front man is keen to extend his playing career for another year so he can put himself in contention for the Socceroos' South Africa 2010 squad.

Whether that happens at United or not is still in question, but Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick believes Viduka would represent excellent value for national coach Pim Verbeek in South Africa.

Only a few days after Socceroos star Tim Cahill said he would love to have Viduka in South Africa, whether he was in the squad or not, Merrick added further weight to the push for the 33-yearold to be included in the 23- man squad for next year's showpiece tournament.

"I've known Mark since he was 13. He's a wonderful person, a wonderful player. I think he'll be available for the World Cup next year, and I hope he is," Merrick said.

"Mark Viduka has always done the right thing by the Socceroos and the national team. He's the first player to come down and chat to the players when he's in town.

"He's a gentleman and a wonderful player and I think he will work very hard if he gets himself fit, I think he will make himself available and be a great asset to the team." Merrick ruled out any bid from his club this season for the Melbourneborn striker, saying that he was out of their budget, with Archie Thompson already locked in as the club's marquee player.

"If he doesn't stay with Newcastle, I'm sure there will be a host of clubs trying to sign him and offering him a wee bit more than what we can offer him," he said.

"We'd all love to see Mark Viduka playing here, it's just the reality that the financial side of it is just another thing all together.

"You can go to the Middle East at the moment and earn several million just to play six months." But Merrick has remained in touch with Viduka in the hope that he may play a role with the club at some stage.

"I usually phone Mark once a year just to remind him of where we are at and how big our crowds are," he said..