Award-winner Kewell pledges heart to homeland

Liverpool striker Harry Kewell today pledged his loyalty to Australia after being named Oceania’s Player of the Year for a record-equalling third time.

The 25-year-old was the landslide winner of the award, polling 76 votes with Leeds United’s Mark Viduka second on 29 and New Zealand’s Ryan Nelson, who scored in the recent draw against Scotland, third with 22.

Kewell’s commitment to the Socceroos has been called into question after he was reported as saying he would rather win a Premiership title with Liverpool than qualify for the World Cup with Australia.

“I’ve told [Australia coach] Frank Farina that if fit and well, I will be there for him and that includes the Oceania World Cup qualifying series this year,” Kewell said.

“And stories I would rather play for Liverpool than Australia are totally wrong. I was asked what I would like with Liverpool and said to win a Premiership. Australia and the World Cup were never mentioned in the question.”