The World Cup star has endured a torrid time over the last 12 months in particular, barely playing for his club as they once against reached the final of the Champions League and finished third in the Premier League.

Kewell made just three appearances - all as a substitute - for Rafael Benitez's team at the end of the last season, including coming off the bench in the 2-1 defeat against AC Milan in Athens, and the frustration of such a disappointing season had him considering his playing future.

"Thoughts like that did creep into my mind but I had a strong team behind me, strong family behind me and I had fantastic people working with me 24/7," he said.

"And from the confidence I had from them, that pulled me through.

"There were fleeting thoughts. You get over one injury and then another one appears and all of a sudden you're wound up in one big mess and you think, am I ever going to be the same?"

Kewell has recovered sufficiently to be named in Graham Arnold'sAustralia squad for next month's Asian Cup in south-east Asia and the Socceroos are currently in Singapore preparing for their opening match against Oman next Sunday.

Before that they will play Singapore on Saturday and will then jet off to Bangkok on Wednesday, where they will also play Iraq and Thailand in Group A of the country's debut appearance at the continental championship.

Kewell hopes to feature against Singapore as he continues to build up his fitness for the 16-team tournament, for which the Australians are one of the favourites.

"I feel great," said Kewell, who like many of the nation's high-profile players arrived in Singapore on Monday.

"It's hard work out here. It's very hot, very humid but the team's looking well, the team's looking fit and everything's going well.

"Hopefully I can get a run out but we'll just have to wait and see.

"We're just working hard. We're feeling great. Training's going good for me, I'm pulling up good.

"It's the first pre-season I've done in probably a couple of years so my body's a bit stiff, but no less stiff than anyone else's and it's to be expected.

"I've just got to roll with it. I've got to take my time and make my way into the game. It's going to be fun. I haven't been out for this long and I'm looking forward to it."

Indeed, the 28-year-old former Leeds winger believes the enforced lay-off may actually play a role in improving his form in the long-term.

"I've been off for 12 months now and you almost claim that as a little retirement," he said. "It's rested my body, mentally and physically.

"Obviously with the injuries I was still working but to just step back and watch games was good for me, to step back and relax a little bit.

"But I'm ready now for the new challenge."