Viduka reveals Kewell split

Viduka admitted that he has not seen eye-to eye with his Elland Road and international team-mate over claims that Mandic has been peddling Kewell for the captain's job for Australia.

The former Celtic star claims that Mandic, who was also his former agent, is trying to influence Socceroo coach Frank Farina to replace Paul Okon with Kewell.

The giant hit-man has even threatened to quit his international career should Farina take selection advice from Kewell's manager.

Viduka revealed that he enjoys no off-field relationship with Kewell despite being at Leeds for over two years and that the left-footed winger does not talk to anyone in the Socceroo's camp.

"Harry doesn't speak to anyone when he comes to camp but I have nothing against that," Viduka said in the Sydney Herald newspaper. "I have been here at Leeds for two years and he hasn't spoken much to me. He hasn't said much to Paul Okon lately, either. I don't know why he's like that."

Viduka expressed his surprise about Farina's new policy of selecting only players who are first-team regulars with their clubs and is concerned that his relationship with Mandic is getting too friendly.

"Frank has never before said that he won't pick players who are not in their first team," said Viduka. "Paul Okon wasn't playing regularly before the World Cup qualifiers but Frank didn't worry about it then.

"Frank has to be his own man. If he is going to listen to Mandic then forget it. If it's going to be like that, I don't even want to play for Australia."

"The captaincy has to be a decision for the coach - or even the players."

"We could pick the captain ourselves. We're not stupid.

"There are plenty of good candidates: Craig Moore or Joe Skoko. I've spoken to a lot of players who feel the same way."

Viduka also played down rumours of a bust-up with Leeds team-mate Danny Mills.

Mills and Viduka were reported to be involved in an angry exchange after the Worthington Cup defeat to Sheffield United and although he admitted views were exchanged after the game he felt it showed the player's determination to win.

"Words were said between everyone after the game against Sheffield United because we were all upset but it was over and done there," said Viduka. "Danny is a nice guy and whatever is said after a game stays there.

"You have an argument with your own family sometimes. Everyone is trying to do well here and they get upset when it doesn't work out."

The 27-year-old, who has found himself out-of-favour recently, admitted that things were not going as planned at Leeds and he believes that all the team must pull in the right direction to turn things round.

"Obviously, it's not going as well as we would like it," added Viduka.

"You don't have to be Einstein to work that out. The million-dollar question is, why? Maybe we're lacking confidence after a few losses. It's like a snowball effect if you lose a few games."