Osieck says no reason to omit Kewell

New Socceroos coach Holger Osieck says there was "no reason" to not select Harry
Kewell for next month's friendlies against Switzerland and Poland.
Kewell, embroiled in an ugly media spat with former Australian team-mate Robbie
Slater, was on Tuesday named in a 20-man squad for the two fixtures on September 3
and 7.
Osieck, who will be taking charge of the Socceroos for the first time following his
appointment last month, said the argument with Slater was none of his business.
"I think it's not my position to get involved in this, my first and foremost
occupation will be to get a good team together," Osieck told reporters, explaining
he had meet with Kewell after watching him play for Turkish side Galatasaray in a
Europa League qualifier against Ukrainian team Karpaty Lviv.
"I had a chat with Harry, I was impressed by his attitude, by his approach, by his
commitment to the team.
"I definitely believed him because it sounded very convincing and on the pitch, as I
said, he displayed a decent performance.
"I don't see any reason, either not to pick him, or secondly to get involved with
what's going on at the other stage of the game."
Kewell will make his first appearance for the Socceroos in the friendlies since the
World Cup, along with Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton and Josh Kennedy, who all missed the
2-0 loss to Slovenia last month.
Osieck's squad also includes two A-League players, Michael Beauchamp and Jason
Culina, while Sydney FC striker Alex Brosque would've been named if it wasn't for a
ankle injury.
The German has recalled Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald after he missed out on
the World Cup squad following 16 goalless appearances for the Socceroos.
But Osieck believes McDonald can still be a success at international level and
provides a different attacking option for his team.
"It's probably another good opportunity for him to show whether he is of that
standard," Osieck said.
"I've contacted a lot of people in Europe that I respect a lot, top club coaches,
who rate him pretty highly.
"I think he deserved a chance to get called in and then I will see how far he
integrates into the team and whether he can be a valuable asset to the team."
Fulham `keeper Mark Schwarzer has been named despite his ongoing transfer saga with
Arsenal, the 37-year-old sitting out the Cottagers' opening two Premier League
games.
But Osieck believes the stopper will be in the right frame of mind to play in the
friendlies.
"I went to Fulham over the weekend and had a chat with Mark," he said.
"I know about his transfer situation but I still consider him the No.1 and therefore
I think he should be on the list for the two upcoming games."
With most of the squad experienced and established players, Osieck confirmed he
expects the team to closely reflect his selection for the Asian Cup in January,
although youngsters such as defender Matthew Spiranovic will also be given a chance
to shine.
"For him as a player of course, it will be a big step up to be in the team," Osieck
said.
"He can be a potential player. He has some experience in Germany, in the Bundesliga,
and why not consider him for our team?
"He is in the group that definitely should carry Australian football for the next
couple of years.
"The nucleus of the team going into the very prestigious tournament in January will
be experienced players."



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