Liverpool's Harry Kewell is looking to put a season blighted by injury behind him.
Liverpool star Harry Kewell is looking to put a season blighted by injury behind him after he had to withdraw from the UEFA Champions League final.The Australian was surprisingly handed a starting role in The Reds' sensational victory over Milan, although had to make way for Vladimir Smicer after just 20 minutes as he again succumbed to a groin injury.
The 26-year-old has never been unable to recapture the form that threw him into the spotlight at Leeds United, and started just 15 Premiership games after being hit with a succession of blows.
Kewell, who underwent surgery on Friday for the problem, admitted that the final in Istanbul was both the best and worst moment of his career and is now looking to emerge from a tough pre-season as a renewed force for boss Rafa Benitez.
"Hopefully with the operation completed I can put all this injury business behind me," said Kewell.
"Wednesday night in Turkey was the highlight of my career and also the worst nightmare of my career, its all mixed in two inside my head.
"Rafael Benitez showed a lot faith in me by picking me from the start because he had other options.
"It was great for me until the injury.
"I stretched for a ball and my groin snapped, I couldn't do anything about it.
"Now it's not going to be a great summer with all the rehabilitation but it's been like that for the last six months.
"But if you'd said to me six months ago that I was going to pull my groin in the European Cup final and I would end up with a winner's medal I'd have taken that.
"Maybe it's one of the worst things to have happened to me but it's still been the perfect end to the season."
Meanwhile doubts are emerging over the future of Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, as it is reported that the midfielder could now stay at Anfield.
The German international had been expected to leave in the summer, with Hamburg and Bolton both potential destinations, although reports are now suggesting that the veteran could be in line for a new deal under Benitez.
