To see the Socceroos goofing off at the team picture photoshoot...
  

The continued absence of Kennedy from the Socceroos' starting line-up at this World Cup has been one of just many baffling selection decisions by coach Pim Verbeek considering the 194cm target man has scored seven goals in just 20 appearances for Australia - including the winner in the Socceroos' 1-0 warm-up win over Denmark.

Yet after not being used at all during the 4-0 loss to Germany, Kennedy only came on for the last 30 minutes during the 1-1 draw with Ghana and immediately looked dangerous.

Kennedy was one of just three specialist strikers chosen in the 23-man squad by Verbeek but with the Socceroos' most experienced striker in Harry Kewell suspended for the must-win game against Serbia in Nelspruit on Wednesday, the man known to Socceroos fans as 'Jesus' looks set to reclaim his place in the starting line-up.

The 27-year-old, who burst into prominence with his performances at the last World Cup in Germany, admits he has been surprised at his lack of game time so far in South Africa.

"Definitely I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed I wasn't starting but I am doing everything I can (to get back into the team) and we will see what happens in the next game," he said.

"I have been hoping to come on no matter what minute it was - even in the first game - but Pim makes those decisions and that's how it is."

But with Australia desperately needing to score goals to make it to the second round - if Ghana falls to Germany in the other final Group D game on Wednesday the Australians will have to not only beat Serbia but make up a minimum of five goals in goal difference to qualify for the knockout stages - surely Kennedy's return to the starting line-up is imminent.

"I have been training well and doing everything I can and I did all right when I came on (against Ghana) so hopefully that was a sign that Pim can use me (against Serbia)," he saud.

"And hopefully in the next game (against Serbia) I can do a bit more damage."

He added: "We will go out and give everything we have got in that game and then hope the other result goes our way."

To see the Socceroos goofing off at the team picture photoshoot...