Kewell admits his search for a new English club is frustrating with the new season closing in fast.

The 33-year-old Socceroo endured a difficult injury-cursed spell at Liverpool after a big-money move from Leeds United, before spells with Galatasaray and Melbourne Victory.

Kewell has since opted to return to the UK for family reasons after just one season with the A-League outfit.

The Australia international has been linked with Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Swindon Town, but no deal has been forthcoming and he said his reputation from his last stint at Liverpool hadn't helped.

"That's my biggest problem because no one, especially in England, has seen me for four years because I've been away," Kewell told The Daily Telegraph during a promotional visit back to Sydney.

"And obviously when I left England I had a bad name because of all my injuries, but in the last four years that I have played in Galatasaray and Melbourne, I've played all the games.

"It's very difficult. I'm twiddling my thumbs. I'm working and training but don't know what I'm doing.

"I'd love to be playing back in England to get a feel for that again. Whether it happens or not is another question.

"It's just a waiting game and it's frustrating because I need to do something and once I find out what I'm doing, I'll be a lot happier."