Newcastle Jets’ Tarek Elrich says Australia should look at including the Liverpool man as an over age player in the tournament.

Kewell spent time with the current crop of Olyroos in the build up to last month’s Singapore friendly. He played in that match before injury scuppered his hopes of taking on China in the subsequent World Cup qualifier.

The 29-year-old has endured a miserable spell with injury and now looks increasingly likely to be axed by Liverpool.

Elrich believes an Olympic squad containing Kewell would be a win-win situation for all concerned.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “A few of the boys were speaking to Harry when he trained with the young lads and he said he was disappointed that he’d never got to play at the Olympics with Australia.

“Well, if he wants the chance now, then it would be great to have him in there. I’d give up my place for him. He is a quality player with a lot to offer.

“I’m sure he’d get a lot out of being involved, the team certainly would, and from a career point of view you know lots of people are going to be watching the tournament.

“My brother (Ahmad) played in the Athens Olympics and it wasn’t long after that that he went to the Icons in Korea. There were also English Premier League teams watching.

“If you look at the last Olympics, Craig Moore was in there as an over-age player (Tim Cahill and John Aloisi were the other two in Athens). Why not Harry this time?”

One player almost certain to be in the Olyroos reckoning is Derby County new boy Ruben Zadkovich, a player that had appeared set to join Elrich at the Jets next season.

Elrich would have loved to see the former Sydney FC man sign up but understands his reasons for moving to the English Premier League’s cellar dweller.

The Jets man said: “Ruben is looking to cement and then further his international career. Pim Verbeek feels that Europe is a step or two ahead of the A-League and hopefully it all goes well for Ruben over there.”