Kewell tipped to regain form
Former Anfield favourite Craig Johnston has backed compatriot Harry Kewell to bounce back from his injury nightmare and help kickstart Liverpool’s season.
Australia winger Kewell has endured a torrid time on Merseyside since arriving from Leeds during the summer of 2003 in a £5m move.
He has struggled badly for fitness and form and was substituted after just 23 minutes of last season’s Champions League final.
The 27-year-old endured that disappointment at the Ataturk Stadium but he has since undergone two groin operations and could now be involved in tomorrow’s Champions League trip to Anderlecht.
And Johnston, who enjoyed a successful spell at Anfield between 1981 and 1988, believes Kewell can provide the Reds with some much-needed firepower.
He said: “At Leeds we all thought Harry was a world-beater, but he’s never recaptured that form at Liverpool.
“But when players are down, especially Aussies, they usually bounce all the way back to the top.
“I’ve followed Harry’s career very closely and with Liverpool needing more firepower in attack, then everything is set for him to come back in and make a big impact.
“He’s had a down patch and footballers do, but when you’re down like that then there’s only way you can go – and that’s up.”
Johnston quit the game in 1988 aged just 27 in order to care for his sister Fay, who was seriously injured in a freak accident in Morocco.
The 45-year-old added: “The 1988 FA Cup final against Wimbledon was my last game. After that I never put on a pair of boots again.
“But I remain very proud of what I achieved at Liverpool – five championships, the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup.
“And as an Aussie, nothing would please me more than to see Harry come back strongly and play a similar role to bring Liverpool further success – and help Australia qualify for the World Cup.”
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