Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited
HARRY Kewell insists he will be fit for a first round showdown with Melbourne Victory despite missing Melbourne Heart's first pre-season match on Thursday night.
Kewell was to make his Heart debut against the Goulburn North East Football Association All Stars in Shepparton, but instead sat out after coach John Aloisi decided to take a no-risk approach with the Socceroos legend.
Heart won the match 4-1 courtesy of first half double from Gol Gol Mebrahtu and second half scores from Ben Garuccio and Mate Dugandzic.
In a boost for its 2013-14 campaign, it was announced last night that left back Aziz Behich would return to the club on a one-year loan deal from Turkish side Bursaspor.
Former Victory and Perth Glory goalkeeper Tando Velaphi has also signed a one-year contract.
Kewell said he wanted to play in last night's game, denying he had suffered any fitness setbacks since beginning training on July 3.
"I was looking forward to playing tonight," Kewell said.
"You can run all day around a park but the way you get your fitness is to go and play games. Melbourne Heart have a plan for me and I'm sticking to it.
"It was their decision not to play me tonight, so I have to agree with that."
Kewell said he did not know how many pre-season games he would play before the Victory clash on October 12.
But the 34-year-old knew exactly how long he has to prepare before facing his old side
"There's 11 weeks and two days to go and counting," he said.
"If I pass all their tests I will be (on track) and I'm passing at the moment. I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be something special the first game.
"It's been exciting, the players have welcomed me straight away which is nice _ it's always good to come in to a positive dressing room."
Played in front of about 2500 spectators at Shepparton's McEwen Reserve, Heart dominated possession against a plucky All-Stars line-up in greasy conditions.
A scrappy first half came to life when Mebrahtu scored a classy individual opener midway through, before doubling the advantage with a scorching free kick from distance.
A Sean Ellis penalty pulled the score back to 2-1 shortly before the break, before Heart got back on the front foot via Garuccio and Dugandzic in the second period as the the hosts started to tire.
Behich will arrive in Melbourne this weekend.
The speedster appeared to have the football world at his feet when he signed a three and a half year deal with the Turkish Super Lig club in January.
He had made his Socceroos debut in November and was being touted as a World Cup prospect.
But after making just one appearance for Bursaspor, he is back in the A-League to reignite his career.
Heart netted in excess of $400,000 in transfer fees when Behcih left and it is understood the Turkish club will continue to pay the 22-year-old's wages in full for the entire season.
"Aziz brings so many qualities to our club that it was a no-brainer to have him back," Aloisi said.
"We were proud that we could help Aziz take the massive step to Europe but equally disappointed to lose him midway through last season."
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