However, Kewell told the Sydney Morning Herald: “I have never had a problem with Mark and have no idea what he’s trying to achieve with his comments.

“I’m sure his comments will disappoint fans of Leeds and Australia alike.

“I’ve always believed that a player’s boots should do the talking. Nothing has changed.”

Viduka, a £7m signing by former Leeds boss David O’Leary in the summer of 2000, said of his relationship with Kewell: “I’ve been here at Leeds for two years and he (Kewell) hasn’t spoken much to me.

“He hasn’t said much to Paul Okon (another Leeds team-mate) lately, either. I don’t know why he’s like that.

“Harry doesn’t speak to anyone when he comes to camp (Australia’s training camps) but I have nothing against that,”

Viduka also expressed fears that Kewell’s manager Bernie Mandic might be trying to influence Australian national coach Frank Farina into making Kewell captain of the Socceroos instead of Okon, who has yet to make his Leeds debut since Terry Venables signed him on a free transfer.

“Frank has never before said that he won’t pick players who are not in their first team,” said Viduka, who warns he may refuse to play for his country if Okon is replaced.

“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.”

However, Mandic has now hit back by saying: “It’s unfortunate that Mark has decided to concentrate his energy and talent on things other than fulfilling his full potential.”