harrykewell

Harry Kewell can make an impact in Germany providing he avoids injury, his Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes.

Kewell is integral to Australia's chances of progression in Germany and will need to be firing on all cylinders if the Socceroos are to overcome group F rivals Japan, Croatia and Brazil.

And Benitez is confident the forward will come good following one of his best seasons at Anfield.

'He had a very good year and I'm sure he can play as well for Australia in the World Cup,' the Liverpool coach said.

'He will be one of their most important players because he has the ability to win games, create goals and score.'

He added: 'He played his part in a much better season for us in the Premiership. Like all of the Liverpool players in Germany, he should go to the World Cup feeling very confident in his ability.'

Kewell scored twice during Australia's 8-1 friendly win over Dutch amateur side VW Kloetings on Saturday, his first outing since the FA Cup final.

He did not feature in the ill-tempered match against Holland last night so that he could rest his problematic groin but he did admit he was confident of playing regularly during the World Cup.

'It's just going through the paces, I wasn't going full strength, but to just go out there, I enjoyed it,' he said of his run-out.

'I've still got about a week until the first World Cup game, so we're working hard, day and night. It's not 100 per cent, but it's getting there. It's done wonders for my confidence. If I could play a little part in Germany, I'd be over the moon.'