Kewell has been doing his part for the FFA in recent times. Today was the launch of a new Solo drink TV advertisement - the company is a new sponsor of the FFA - which features Kewell and a cast of thousands playing "crushed can" football.

The Socceroo talisman was also front and centre of the much talked about promotional video for Australia's bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cups.

Kewell - who's married to English TV actress Sheree Murphy - enjoyed playing his part in the promo campaigns but as he told au.fourfourtwo.com, he has no plans to become the next Eric Cantona. 

"It was fantastic. I shot it straight away after getting off the plane when we played Uzbekistan [on April 1]," he said of the FFA bid movie.

"They asked me and I thought it'd be an absolute privilege. I came straight from the plane, checked into the hotel and then went straight to the stadium to film it.

"I was really happy with it. A lot of people have seen it and they've all turned around and said it's a great promo.

"Hopefully, a lot of people can see Australia and appreciate Australia with this promo and hopefully that can get us over the line when the decision is made."

The decision by FIFA will be made in late 2010.

So is Kewell now considering more such TV work? "Well, I wouldn't go that far," he said with a laugh. "As long as you stick with the football, that's the main thing."

To see Kewell in the promo and also show your support for Australia's bid, log onto www.australia2018-2022.com.au.

In the meantime, Kewell, 30, was named this week in an experimental Socceroo squad for the friendly against Republic of Ireland next week in Limerick.

And he has welcomed the FFA's schedule of matches and hopes the mixture of opposition nations continues right up until the World Cup in South Africa.

The game is part of a raft of friendlies including Holland in October in Sydney and South Korea next month in Seoul.

Tthe crucial Asian Cup group clashes over the next eight months against Oman in October and November, Kuwait away next January and Indonesia at home in March will serve a dual role as World Cup preparatory matches.

"I think it's fantastic that there are games lined up for the Australian fans," said Kewell. "It's a massive bonus to be qualified already and be able to sit back and play these so-called friendly matches before the World Cup.

"A lot of countries would love to be already qualified so their players can concentrate on their club teams. Fortunately, we have and we can do that and get friendly games here and abroad."

He added: "You've got to get a mixture - a top team, a mid-tier nation from Europe, then an African and South American team.

"It's difficult these days to hide anything in football because in every game, people are going to be watching. Once we know who we play, everyone will be studying everyone's strengths and weaknesses so when it comes on the day, you've got to surprise people."

At club level, Kewell is also coached by another Dutchman. Frank Rijkaard is the high profile new boss in charge at Galatasaray and the Socceroo believes he can take Gala to a new level, beginning with the new Europa League.

Galatasaray eliminated Tobol of Kazakhstan in July and faced Maccabi Netanya last week in the third qualifying round phase.

Kewell helped Gala to a 4-1 away win over the Israeli outfit with a goal early in the second half. Last night (Thursday) was the return leg in Turkey.

"We can't look too far ahead. But we set ourselves very high standards especially now we have Frank Rijkaard here we're going to a new level not only for Galatasaray but for the Turkish league," said Kewell.

 "We want to do our utmost best to achieve great things for Galatasaray."