Soccer: Finally Harry's playing it Kewell

JOHANNESBURG - Harry Kewell is on track to be front and centre for Australia's World Cup opener against Germany after completing his first full Socceroos training session at their South African training camp.

Any lingering doubts about Kewell's groin problem eased as the star attacker turned in a sharp hitout in a tough seven-a-side session on Thursday.

Kewell had been nursed through the two camps in Melbourne and Johannesburg to this point, and is unlikely to play against the United States in Australia's final friendly in Roodepoort on Saturday.

But his sharpness and appetite for the ball suggests he'll be ready for some role against Germany in Durban on June 13 despite having played only five minutes of football since January.

"He looked good and hopefully he can stay with us. He's an important player for our team," midfielder Vinnie Grella said.

Teammates are sure that if Kewell can return to the form he was in before groin surgery gone wrong earlier this year, he could light up the World Cup.

"Harry up until he got injured was on fire," said Socceroos midfielder Mile Jedinak, who plays against Kewell in Turkish club football.

"He was easily the in-form player in Turkey, scoring goals in all competitions, and it was a real pleasure to watch him play.

"The whole of Turkey was talking about him which was great."

If Kewell can play some role against Germany, it gives an attacking third scarily devoid of teeth in the 1-0 friendly win over Denmark on Tuesday a serious look.

Coach Pim Verbeek will use Saturday's friendly against the US to give his side a final hitout ahead of the World Cup, before they start to taper off their training in an attempt to peak for the Germany match.

- AAP