Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka could declare himself available for Australia's World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Melbourne on February 6.

The striker has previously played down all suggestion of him travelling down under for the game against Qatar. But Australia coach Pim Verbeek has revealed that recent talks suggest Viduka may be open to a change of heart.

"We discussed how he felt and he said: 'I'm getting fitter and fitter.' " Verbeek said.