Viduka has been hampered by injuries for most of this season and has yet to pull on the green and gold for Verbeek.

However, the coach has not ruled out recalling a fully fit Viduka with the player himself yet to call time on his international career.

A report in the Newcastle Chronicle seems to hint, although no-one is quoted directly, that the Magpies are not too keen at the prospect of the striker jetting across to the other side of the world in midweek and then racing back in time for the match against Chelsea on April 4.

Viduka's current Newcastle deal expires at the end of this season with no guarantee that another will be forthcoming.