Serbian national team coach Radomir Antic has identified Galatasaray star Harry Kewell as Australia's key player. After drawing Australian in arguably one of the toughest groups in next year's World Cup, Antic said that Kewell would be the Socceroos' major threat when the nations meet in the group stage of the 2010 World Cup on June 23 and admitted to trying to sign him when he was managing in Spain.

"I saw Kewell play two, three games," said Antic. "Five or six years ago I looked into signing Kewell when I was in Spain.

"I think he's a great player with a great career and I have time, five, six months to learn a lot more about all the players from Australia."

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona boss said he has a lot of respect for Australian coach Pim Verbeek and understands how tough an opponent the Socceroos will be.

"I have a lot of respect, especially for national coach Pim Verbeek," added Antic.

"I have a lot of respect of the Dutch way to play football.

"They conceded just one goal in qualification and it will be a very, very tough game for us."