The Newcastle United striker has yet to decide whether to continue playing for his country or quit the green and gold.

He has not played in any of Australia’s three games since Pim Verbeek took charge although the coach is scheduled to jet over to England next month for talks with the former Leeds United man.

Viduka’s main focus has been getting himself fit enough to force his way into Kevin Keegan’s side at relegation-threatened Newcastle and he helped boost the club’s survival chances with an early goal in last weekend’s 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Fulham at St James’ Park.

That gave the club some real breathing space with England striker Michael Owen also on target in the match.

Former England and United manager Sir Bobby Robson sees Viduka as having a key role to play in ensuring the Magpies beat the drop in the coming weeks.

The Australian forward has both delighted and frustrated during his career to date, a point noted by Robson, but he feels the plusses far outweigh the minuses as far as Viduka is concerned.

He said: “Mark Viduka has been a maestro. He’s the kind of player who can have you purring with delight when he’s playing well or tearing your hair out when he’s not, but he’ll be very important in the next few weeks.”

Viduka recently laughed off reports of a rift with Keegan while the Newcastle manager was swift to hail the striker’s contribution since taking charge.