Viduka may add to Toon woes

Jan 13 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

MARK VIDUKA may be ready to give Newcastle’s next boss a headache – by renewing his international career.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek is refusing to rule out the possibility of picking Viduka for Australia’s Asian Cup qualifier on February 6 in Melbourne.

The striker has previously played down all suggestion of him travelling down under for the game against Qatar.

But Verbeek has revealed that recent talks suggest Viduka may be open to a change of heart.

If he did make himself available for Australia, it could rule Viduka (right) out of United’s derby against Middlesbrough on February 3 and trip to Aston Villa on February 9.

However, Newcastle would not be obligated to release him until 48 hours before the Qatar game.

“We discussed how he felt and he said: ‘I’m getting fitter and fitter.’ ” Verbeek said.

The coach had initially selected only Aussie-based players for the Qatar clash, but has admitted he could yet call up stars plying their trade in Europe. “So far I have not made up my mind,” added Verbeek.