Viduka problem is the biggest - Farina

Leeds striker Mark Viduka’s club-versus-country row is the biggest problem facing international football, according to his international coach Frank Farina.

Viduka could miss Leeds’ vital Barclaycard Premiership clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on February 21 because of international commitments with Australia in South America.

Viduka, who has missed several games of Leeds’ fight against relegation because his father was taken ill, is set to travel to Caracas to play for his country against Venezuela in a friendly on February 18.

If Viduka plays for Australia he may not make it back to England in time face the Premiership champions.

Farina believes it is up to world governing body FIFA to solve such conflicts between club and country.

He said: “It’s a tough one. I think this is the biggest problem that faces international football around the world.

“I think you have to talk to FIFA about it. It’s unfair, but they are situations that come up.”

With Leeds battling to avoid relegation and the financial implications for the cash-strapped club, Farina is not taking Viduka’s attendance for granted.

“As an international manager, and with what I’ve experienced in last four years, I’m not confident of anything,” he added on Sky Sports News.

“I hope that everyone ends up happy at the end of the day.”