Kewell to receive Hiddink help

New Australia head coach Guus Hiddink wants to work closely with Liverpool to ensure star midfielder Harry Kewell can play some part in helping the Socceroos qualify for only their second World Cup finals.

Kewell, who is recovering from a hernia operation, was included in Hiddink’s first training squad, which has taken part in three days of intense practice in Hoenderloo in Hiddink’s native Holland.

Hiddink admitted that he sees Kewell as a key player in their bid to qualify for Germany 2006.

Ironically, the last time the men from Down Under made the finals was in 1974, in West Germany.

“I realised it would be difficult (for Kewell) because he is recovering from surgery but he told me he was very committed and wanted to be in the (national) squad as much as possible,” Hiddink said.

“I told him I would be thinking how we can help to get him into shape for the qualifiers.

“I had a lot of time to express my thoughts during the training camp.

“I said I would help him (Kewell) with his club.”