The new captain’s performance against Iraq on Sunday drew plenty of plaudits and Elrich is confident that Kewell is only just warming up.

That spells bad news for Iraq, Qatar and China during Super June but the Central Coast Mariners player is expecting Kewell to be making a big impact for his country long after the current round of World Cup qualifiers is completed.

Elrich told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “I’ve spoken to Harry recently and he’ll be delighted with how things went.

“He will have got a lot of satisfaction from walking off that pitch and having said to himself ‘stick that one up you’ in answer to those who were having a go at him.

“Proving people wrong can provide the strongest motivation and hunger and Harry has gone out there and really shown what he’s about.

“I think the great players really perform when the pressure is on and that’s what Harry has done.

“Everyone loves to jump on the bandwagon at times and stick the boot in but you just have to try and rise above it as a player."

He added: “Harry is a terrific professional, does everything right and I think the injury problems he’s had could actually see him go on longer.

"You can’t get back the years that you’ve lost but I think he could go on for another five years at the very top level. He still has something special to offer and can go on and get even better.

“I remember speaking to him when the injury problems just seemed to be going on and on and he was quite down.

“Believe me, I know what it’s like, having been injured for a long time myself. It’s no fun and it can be a battle to stay positive.

“But Harry’s come through it and I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to the games against Iraq and Qatar. I’m not sure they’ll be looking forward to playing against him though.

“I never doubted that he’d get back to where he wanted to be. He just needed games under his belt and he’s starting to get those now. You can also tell he’s enjoying his football and that makes him even more dangerous.”

Now all Elrich wants is to join his pal back in the international set up.

He said: “Pim Verbeek has shown he’s prepared to give A-League players a chance so I’ve just got to work hard with the Mariners and look to impress him.”