My best is yet to come, warns in-form Viduka

Apr 9 2008 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

MARK Viduka has put Premier League defences on alert by warning he is still to find his best form and predicting there is more to come when he finally shakes off the niggling injuries that have made this one of his most frustrating seasons.

In-form Viduka has played a key role in Newcastle United’s recent resurgence, turning in a series of fine displays as part of the all-star front three that has helped re-establish United’s attacking credentials.

While others may have snatched the spotlight as results improve, there is no denying the correlation between Viduka’s return to the team and the upturn in results and performances for Kevin Keegan’s men.

Indeed, two goals in three games speaks volumes for the classy Australian’s impact in recent weeks. But despite that impressive ratio, Viduka insists he can improve when he finally hits peak condition.

A succession of calf and thigh injuries have prevented United from seeing Viduka’s best form until the last two months and, despite his impressive recent displays, the former Middlesbrough forward admits he is still striving to reach full fitness.

“I’m not at my strongest, I’m still working my way back to that because I had a couple of niggling injuries. As you get older it gets tougher to shake them off and I’m into my 30s now,” he said. “When you’re young you recover quicker, you can shake things off and you can play with the knocks. It doesn’t affect you as much, but I’m not that age any more. I just have to accept that and do the best I can.”

Viduka’s frustrating campaign has led to him considering a withdrawal from international football to prolong his club career, and such a move would undoubtedly benefit Newcastle. United goal-scoring legend Alan Shearer is the best example of a player who left the international stage to great effect – and it was a similar decision which has helped England team-mate Paul Scholes to continue turning out with distinction for Manchester United.

It is a road that Viduka is understandably reluctant to follow, but he is adamant that his burgeoning club career at St James’s Park must come first in his list of priorities. A compromise solution – where Viduka only turns out for his country in qualifying games – may be worked out, but in the meantime the striker is discussing all available options with the Australian Football Association.

“It’s a really tough decision for me with Australia because I’m at the age where I have to look after my body and get the most out of it that I can,” said the striker. “I love meeting up with the guys and representing my country, but I want to play for Newcastle for as long as, and as often as, I can. I want to be able to give 100% to Newcastle. I might be able to pick and choose international games, but I’m having a chat with the coach at the weekend so we’ll see what comes from that.”

Now 32 and with eight years of top-flight football in England on his CV, the Melbourne-raised striker feels more at home on these shores, and that contentment has led to something of an Indian summer when it comes to his club form. He is so settled he even admits to contemplating coaching in this country when he finally quits playing.

“We’ve been in England for so long now we see it as our home,” he said. “After I finish playing I’ll see what I want to do and have a little break before deciding. Maybe if I miss it that much I might go into coaching.”

As Viduka’s improvement prompts optimism surrounding United’s prospects next season, the club made another significant investment in their future by extending the contract of promising 20-year-old goalkeeper Fraser Forster until 2010.

The 6ft 6in Hexham-born shot-stopper has excelled in the reserves this season and boss Kevin Keegan is tipping him for a possible call-up to the England Under-21 side if he continues his steep learning curve.