Kewell no chance for Socceroos
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Out of action: Harry Kewell failed a late fitness test. (Getty Images: Mark Dadswell, file photo)
Harry Kewell will not be making a last minute dash from Turkey to play for the Socceroos in the World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
Kewell was today officially ruled out of the side after failing an overnight fitness test on his troublesome groin.
Socceroos captain Lucas Neil says Kewell's absence is disappointing.
"Harry of course is a big loss to the squad, he brings a completely different dimension to our team," he said.
"He's got great flair and great hunger to want to succeed, so of course he's a loss.
"But there is a great talent and depth in our squad now and I think as a result unfortunately his loss will be someone else's gain."
Meanwhile, coach Pim Verbeek says he is still unsure whether veteran Craig Moore will play in the match.
Moore was recalled to the Socceroos squad after coming out of international retirement.
The current Queensland Roar captain faces competition from fellow centre back Chris Coyne, but Verbeek is still keeping his cards close to his chest.
"You all know how Craig is doing he's a great player," he said.
"Chris Coyne did very well the last three games so I am in a luxury position to have at least three forward groups and two defenders to choose, so that's the story and still we have to wait til Wednesday."
