Australian national team manager Holger Osieck has explained his decision to not select Harry Kewll for next week's friendly with Wales.
The former Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray winger was left out of the 18-man squad which takes on the Welsh in Cardiff next Wednesday and Osieck has given his reasons why he picked fellow free agent Lucas Neill and not Kewell.
"There is a slight difference between the two of them, one is fit and one was is not fit," Osieck said.
"Lucas has done a lot of work. He is in very good shape but Harry is not in very good shape.
"We all know what value Harry brings to the team. I am really hoping he will be in game shape for the qualifiers," Osieck added.
"He didn't take part in the two games in June because he was not really fit, he had to undergo some sort of treatment.
"He didn't have full training in the meantime so he is definitely not in a position to play right now."
