Kewell was left out the recent Australia friendlies and the squad for the two upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month over concerns about his fitness in the off-season.

But Osieck dismissed any suggestion Kewell's Roo days were behind him and hailed his move to the A-League.

"It's a personal decision," said Osieck. "Harry opted to come back to Australia. From my point of view I think it is good, it is good for the A-League.

"It could be a great boost for the Victory but for the A-League in general to have one of the most prominent players Australia has ever produced to be back in the country."

He admitted Kewell's current fitness levels were still a concern after the veteran approaches the six month mark since his last competitive match.

But he was confident he would soon be back in shape and ready to slip on the green and gold again.

"Harry is definitely healthy that is what I know," he said." To be physically healthy andf to be match fit is always a gap.

"I cannot give you an update on his match fitness but I simply know that Victory expect him to join team training in early Septmeber. That is the only information I have.

"We don't have to discuss Harry because whenever he played, as far as I am concerned, he performed.

"He played a good tournament in Qatar, he had an excellent game against Germany and when he's ready, he's definitely first choice for the team."

Osieck also backtracked on his views on the standard of play in the Middle East in the wake of skipper Lucas Neill joined UAE side Al Jazira - but he was still muted in his reaction to Neill's move.

"When I said I don't rate the Middle East highly, it was a personal opinion," said Osieck. "I never wanted to be there to work there as a coach. That was my point - we have to differentiate there.

"Lucas asked my opinion and considering the situation we face in our World Cup qualifying campaign, we have two Arab countries in our group.

"He's playing against these players in his league. There are a lot fo Brazilian players that are predominantly strikers in that league so I think he is going to be tested as well. I think it is okay.

"It is a personal decision. It is not my influence. I am neither their agent or anyone else to them. I am just the coach of the Socceroos."

Osieck also opened the door for a possible return to the Roos for World Cup veterans Grella and Bresciano who have been frozen out of the Socceroos recently.

He added: "I met Vince in Wales, he came to see us in our camp and we had a good chat and I had Mark on the phone and we had a good chat.

"They are ready for selection, if I can put it like that, and when I think we can include them - maybe for the next game or so - it's going to happen."