harrykewell

Doubts remain over the fitness of Socceroos star Harry Kewell after he was left out of the Liverpool squad for their 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

Kewell, who suffered a recurrence of a groin injury in the previous weekend's FA Cup semi-final win against Chelsea, was not included in the 16 for the match despite Liverpool still pushing to finish second and gain automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage next season.

The chances of that happening remain remote but still possible as Manchester United - currently second - was beaten 3-0 at Chelsea meaning the teams are now locked on points but United have a game in hand and a better goal difference.

Mark Schwarzer missed Middlesbrough's 1-0 home defeat by Everton as he recovers from a fractured cheekbone while Mark Viduka was rested as the club tries to nurse his thigh strain through to next month's UEFA Cup final.

Australian Brad Jones stood in for Schwarzer in the Boro goal and held Everton out until the 89th minute when he raced out to confront James McFadden, who calmly chipped the ball over his head for the winner.

Tim Cahill was missing for Everton due to a knee ligament injury that has him in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup.

There was better news for the Socceroos defence as Craig Moore again played a full match for Newcastle as the Magpies drew 0-0 at Birmingham in a result that relegated Steve Bruce's men.

And Lucas Neill also played the full 90 minutes as Blackburn won 2-0 at Charlton.

That win meant Rovers now need only two points from their remaining two games to guarantee a berth in next season's UEFA Cup Championship.