Viduka - Best still to come

Aussie vows to continue rich vein of form

Last updated: 9th April 2008

Mark Viduka goal celeb Newcastle v Fulham

Viduka: Best still to come

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Mark Viduka has reassured the Newcastle faithful that there is more to come having finally hit form in black and white.

The big Australian has endured a season of frustration, with injuries and a lack of regular playing time having hampered his spell in the North East.

However, in recent weeks Newcastle's upturn in fortune has coincided with his own, with two goals from three appearances testimony to a player in peak condition.

In-form

Viduka has occupied a central berth in Kevin Keegan's three-pronged forward line and the attacking slant favoured by the Toon chief has reaped three successive victories.

"I'm not at my strongest, I'm still working my way back to that because I had a couple of niggling injuries," Viduka told the Northern Echo.

"As you get older it gets tougher to shake off injuries and I'm into my 30s now. 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."

Big decision

While Viduka's form domestically has caught the eye, he could soon be ready to draw the curtain on his international playing days.

Of the opinion that at 32 his body can no longer cope with the demands of regular international football, Viduka is set for talks with Australia coach Pim Verbeek.

"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.

"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 per cent to Newcastle. I might be able to pick and choose international games, but I'm having a chat with the coach so we'll see what comes from that."