One of his staunchest fans is confident that all the frustration and ‘stick’ the Liverpool man has had to endure will be cast aside by a big performance in Kunming tomorrow.

Ahmad Elrich has played both with and against Kewell and cannot believe the number of doom-merchants ready to write off the 29-year-old.

The new Central Coast Mariners man told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “I know Harry very well and I’m really looking forward to seeing him out there against China. Yeah mate, I think a big performance.

“I know he will be determined to help Australia get the right result but then I’m sure he’ll also want to make a very strong statement to his Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez.

“He hasn’t had too much game time at Liverpool this year but I find amazing when I hear and see people writing me off.

“The Harry Kewell I know will just be determined to get out there and help Australia get a big result.”

Elrich feels able to sympathise with Kewell’s frustrating run on the injury front and says people simply have to be patient.

He said: “Look, nobody goes out of their way to get injured. It’s frustrating for fans but how frustrating do you think it is for the player?

“I know what it’s like to be out of the picture. I think people also have to be realistic. When you’ve been out a long time it takes time to build back up.

“But it’s great to see Harry back in the international set up again and I’m sure it’s a great boost for the younger lads in there to train and play alongside him.”

Elrich hopes it won’t be too long before he is joining Kewell back in the green and gold.

He said: “I did say hello to Pim Verbeek at the A-League awards do so that’s a start.

"No, look I’m just looking forward to getting a proper pre-season under my belt, doing well for Lawrie and the Mariners and then we’ll take it from there.

“It was fantastic to see [younger brother] Tarek in the squad for the Singapore squad and yeah, I would love to see us both out there for Australia.”