Major Newcastle Striker Blow For Big Sam!
Last updated : 15 June 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
With Newcastle players due back for training on July 2nd, Sam Allardyce hoped to have all his squad available. But Viduka will not be available until a week before the season starts.
The striker called a news conference on Friday morning with the intention of announcing he would no longer play internional with immediate effect.
But before the conference took place the 31-year-old had a change of heart after speaking with head coach Graham Arnold.
Arnold: "It's great news. We can't hide the fact we have been in discussions with Mark over the last three or fours days about his availability for the Asian Cup. The first indications weren't a good sign.
"However, he's made the decision (to continue with the Socceroos). The first decision was to retire, but after time thinking about it, he's made his availability clear.
"He's totally committed to the shirt and totally committed to the cause."
Viduka captained Australia to the knock-out stages of the World Cup in Germany last year and is likely to continue as skipper.
The 16-team tournament is co-hosted by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam from July 7-29.
Australia, who are among the favourites to win the competition, are in the same group as Thailand, Iraq and Oman.