Harry Kewell’s hopes of forcing his way back into Australia’s squad for next month’s vital World Cup qualifiers have been dealt a huge blow, after he was released this week by Qatari club Al Gharafa.
The club decided not to offer Kewell, 34, a long-term contract after he made four appearances and scored one goal during his short-term deal in the Persian Gulf.
And Kewell, who was auditioning for a $1 million-plus contract at the club he linked with last month, is now back in England and putting out feelers in the A-League as he seeks to turn his mini-resurrection into a full-blown comeback.
The Aussie ace spent nine months on the sidelines after his departure from Melbourne Victory at the end of the 2011-2012 season.
The former Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray star played in three league games and an Emir Cup tie for Al Gharafa.
With Socceroos coach Holger Osieck due to name his squad next week for June’s World Cup qualifiers against Japan, Jordan and Iraq, the timing is cruel for Kewell who had hoped to remain with the club in the lead up to the first of those games – against the Blue Samurai on 4 June in Saitama – as he sought to catch the eye.
Though he now seems destined to miss the Japan game and the home clashes against Jordan (11 June in Melbourne) and Jordan (18 June in Sydney), Kewell will step up his search for a new club, with a second A-League coming shaping as a strong possibility if he can find a taker.
Source: SBS The World Game.
