Hiddink backs Kewell

Last updated : 22 June 2006 By Al Campbell
Harry Kewell almost missed this game after criticising the referee following Australia's defeat to Brazil last Sunday. However, Kewell was given a reprieve and now Socceroos boss Guus Hiddink is backing the Liverpool winger to help his side get the point they need to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup.

"I think he's ready to do a big thing, whether it's from the start, or later in the game. He showed yesterday, again, that he is fully fit mentally," said Hiddink.

"Physically, we know he has a lack of games in the last weeks, and he is not top, top, fit. But his special ability can be of huge importance, from the start, or later on.

"What happened has been no distraction to me or the team. Yesterday at training, there was not a lot of talk about this. It will not have any influence on this game."