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Viduka new Australian skipper [Fri Sep 2nd, 2005]
Striker Mark Viduka has been appointed Australian skipper for Saturday night's Oceania World Cup qualifier against the Solomon Islands at Aussie Stadium in Sydney.
In a surprise move, new coach Guus Hiddink decided to make the Middlesborough target man captain in the absence of regular skipper Craig Moore, who is missing with a hamstring injury.
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has deputised for Moore in the past under ex-coach Frank Farina.
Hiddink said Viduka epitomised Australian football and had impressed with his commitment to the national team.
"He's a strong, determined character and an exponent of how I see Australian football," Hiddink said.
Viduka has never captained his country at senior level, but was under-20 skipper at the under-20 world championship in Qatar in 1995.
"You always have a think about it (captaining your country) but there were always players who were there for longer," Viduka said. "It's a big surprise to me. It's a great honour and I can't wait."
Hiddink will not reveal his final line-up until Saturday, though Viduka is certain to start alongside John Aloisi in a two-pronged strike force.
Australia must beat the Solomons in the two-legged Oceania qualifiers to advance to a playoff against the fifth-placed South American side for a place at next year's World Cup finals in Germany.
AAP
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