Kennedy scoffs at Kewell duel

* Marco Monteverde
* From: The Australian
* June 01, 2010

STRINGBEAN striker Josh Kennedy isn't interested in buying into the debate of whether he or Harry Kewell should be used as the lone striker in Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation at the World Cup.

STRINGBEAN striker Josh Kennedy isn't interested in buying into the debate of whether he or Harry Kewell should be used as the lone striker in Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation at the World Cup.

In truth, it's momentarily a non-issue, with Kewell's ongoing unavailability because of a groin injury ensuring Kennedy is the obvious man to lead Australia's line.

The Nagoya Grampus target man will assume that role when the Socceroos take on Denmark in a World Cup warm-up clash at Ruimsig Stadium tonight.

But should Kewell win his fitness battle in time for Australia's World Cup opener against Germany on June 14 (AEST) in Durban, inevitable questions will again be raised.

Should Kewell be used up front in place of Kennedy? Will Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek decide that both players should start, with Kewell to assume his regular wide role on the left?

Don't ask Kennedy, who claims he doesn't read newspapers and wants no part of the discussion.

"I don't know what you mean," Kennedy said when asked about the so-called selection battle between himself and Kewell. "I haven't spoken to Pim about anything and haven't heard anything."

What Kennedy does know is that he could be only a good performance or two away from ensuring there are no selection dilemmas. He is keen to make up for lost time tonight against the Danes after missing Australia's 2-1 win over New Zealand last Monday night in Melbourne due to a back complaint.

"There are no more problems with my back," Kennedy said.

"We've had some tough sessions and I've got through them no worries. It's a good feeling to be out there and have no niggles."

Verbeek said there was still some improvement needed by Kennedy, but was happy with his recent contribution on the training track after a slow start to the World Cup camp.

With Kewell and Brett Emerton ruled out of tonight's clash, the likes of Mark Bresciano, Dario Vidosic and perhaps Richard Garcia are likely to provide the towering Kennedy the chance to use his height to great effect against the Danes.

But it's the controversial Adidas World Cup "Jabulani" ball that could cause Kennedy problems as he attempts to add to his six goals in Socceroo colours.

"They are definitely a lot harder to anticipate," he admitted.

"Obviously with the balls in the altitude, they dip and swerve a lot more.

"You've got to watch it right

until it lands on your head."


http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/kennedy-scoffs-at-kewell-duel/story-e6frg7mf-1225873737915