The newly-signed Newcastle United striker had already debated whether he would even join the Australia team in Asia prior to the tournament.

Now he looks ready to hang up his international boots for good.

As he left Hanoi after the Japan match, he admitted he hadn’t yet made a final decision on his Socceroos’ future.

"I still don't know...I will probably go home and think about it,” he said. "It would be stupid for me to say anything now.

"But I've got no regrets about coming here. I've had a great tour, it was good to be involved with the boys. All in all, I'm happy I was involved with the Asian Cup."

Although now in his peak of form – he was one of the top strikers in the Premiership last season and scored three times in Australia’s last four matches - Viduka will be 34 by the time the next World Cup comes round.

Now the new Socceroos boss will have to find a player to fill the hole in Australia’s strike force.

John Aloisi’s place in Socceroo history is already secure after his spot-kick against Uruguay.

And despite scoring the equaliser against Japan, he too will be nearing the end of his career by the time World Cup 2010 comes round.

Melbourne’s Archie Thompson has forced his way into the Socceroos reckoning and a flurry of A-League goals last season did his cause no harm.

Another good season with the Melbourne Victory should keep him on the new coach’s radar, but he’s yet to prove himself one the big stage for the Green and Gold.

His Victory teammate Danny Allsopp finally got his opportunity in the warm up game against Uruguay but has still to make an impact for the Socceroos.

Nathan Burns enjoyed his first taste of senior action against Singapore and at 19, there is plenty of time for him to make his mark. Brett Holman was given plenty of opportunities to stake a claim but his poor finishing needs to improve if he is to return.

Josh Kennedy’s injury agonies have prevented him from building on the impact he enjoyed under Guus Hiddink but his height provides the Socceroos with a genuine threat in the opposing area.

But the biggest hope for the future is Celtic new boy Scott McDonald.

Having just enjoyed a big-money summer switch to Celtic, he will benefit from playing in the European Champions League next season which can only help the Socceroos’ cause.

But no-one has the Viduka place in the bag. The new season has the added incentive of a Socceroos place up for grabs to encourage strikers to go for goal.

Who do YOU think should take over the striker's slot for the Socceroos? Have your say on the matter by clicking here now...