Only a few days after Socceroos star Tim Cahill said he would love to have Viduka in South Africa whether he was in the squad or not, Merrick, who has known the former Socceroos captain since he was a teenager, added further weight to the push for the 33-year-old to be included in the 23-man squad for next year's showpiece tournament.

"I've known Mark since he was 13. He's a wonderful person, a wonderful player. I think he'll be available for the World Cup next year, and I hope he is.

"Mark Viduka has always done the right thing by the Socceroos and the national team. He's the first player to come down and chat to the players when he's in town. He's a gentleman and a wonderful player and I think he will work very hard if he gets himself fit, I think he will make himself available and be a great asset to the team," said Merrick

Viduka, who hasn't played for the Socceroos since the 2007 Asian Cup, is currently trying to sort out his club future after Newcastle was relegated from the English Premier League.

Merrick ruled out any bid from his club this season for the Melbourne-born striker, saying that he was out of their budget with Archie Thompson already locked in as the club's marquee player.

"If he doesn't stay with Newcastle, I'm sure there will be a host of clubs trying to sign him and offering him a wee bit more than what we can offer him," he said. "We'd all love to see Mark Viduka playing here, it's just the reality that the financial side of it is just another thing all together. You can go to the Middle East at the moment and earn several million just to play six months," he said.

But Merrick said he continues to remain in touch with Viduka in the hope that he may play a role with the club at some stage.

"I usually phone Mark once a year just to remind him of where we are at and how big our crowds are," he said.

Merrick also ruled out a move to lure former Victory defender Adrian Leijer back to Australia from Fulham. While admitting the club was chasing a central defender, Merrick said Leijer would be best served by staying with EPL club Fulham for at least another 12 months and trying to break into the first team.