No second Socceroo thoughts for Viduka

Striker Mark Viduka will not be joining the Australian squad for next month’s final three FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, national coach Pim Verbeek said Saturday.

Verbeek said he had reserved a spot for the Newcastle United targetman in his extended 30-player squad for the June qualifiers against Qatar, Bahrain and Japan as Viduka considered his stalled international football career.

But Verbeek said Viduka had contacted him to advise that he would not be available for selection for the three matches.

“He told me that after a difficult season he needed a break from football to consider his future plans,” Verbeek said in a statement.

“Mark is currently out of contract (with Newcastle) and, while he is deciding what to do next, it would be difficult for him to fully concentrate on these important matches for Australia.

“We respect his decision and wish him all the best over the coming weeks as he makes his next important decision.”

Viduka, 33, last played for his country in the quarter-final loss on penalties to Japan at the 2007 Asian Cup in Hanoi and has since been plagued by injuries.

Viduka, who skippered the Socceroos at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, has scored 11 goals in 43 internationals.

Australia needs just one point to progress to next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

The Australians play Qatar in Doha on June 6 with their final two qualifiers at home against Bahrain (June 10) and Japan (June 17).