By Brent Diamond

THE lingering doubts surrounding Socceroos star Harry Kewell taking his place in the FIFA World Cup next month can be put to bed.

If the Socceroos were to have any chance of scraping through to the World Cup Finals – a fit and firing Kewell is needed.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek says he has confidence in the teams’ medical department and is adamant Kewell, who has suffered a troublesome groin injury, will take his place in the Socceroos first clash against Germany.

“I was very surprised with what I have heard about the media all week,” Verbeek said.

“We have a fantastic medical staff so they always told me don’t worry he’ll always be ready.”

“He’s not going to play in the New Zealand game. We’ll prepare him and he’ll be ready by the start of the World Cup against Germany on the 13^th of June and that’s all that matters,” he said at a Johnny Warren Football Foundation dinner.

Verbeek said Kewell’s commitment to his program cannot be questioned.

“He’s training three times a day. He left his family in England and came earlier than anybody else. I follow my medical staff and my strength and conditioning coach who have done a great job so far,” he said.

Tell us what you think. Can the Socceroos win without Harry Kewell?

AS the FIFA World Cup in South Africa approaches, it’s about time to find out exactly where all the action will be.

The BBC have released a brilliant interactive map featuring some great tourist attractions including the stadiums that will be used and all about them. Zoom in and zoom out – this tool is fantastic for those opting to head to South Africa next month. Or even if you’re staying at home, you’ll at least know what you’re missing out on!

Click here to view the map in which you can double click the map and then click and drag items to find out more about the place.

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