SYDNEY (Reuters):

HARRY KEWELL says he is relishing the prospect of playing as a central striker for Australiain next month's Asian Cup.

Kewell has played most of his international football as a left-sided midfielder but has been given free rein by Australia coach Graham Arnold to play up front.

Arnold is hoping the ploy will take some of the pressure of Mark Viduka, who played a lone role up front in last year's World Cup, and Kewell said he was thrilled by the idea.

"It's one of my favourite positions, I won't deny that," Kewell said yesterday.

"I'm quite sure a lot of players love that position because it's a main position."

Kewell has not played for Australia since his late goal against Croatia at the World Cup sent the Socceroos through to the second round.

Plagued by injuries

The 28-year-old has been plagued by injuries but recently made his comeback for English club Liverpool and has been given the all clear to play in the Asian Cup.

"I'm 100 per cent fit now, I've taken 11 months off to recoup with all my injuries ... but I'm fully fit now and I'm raring to go," he said.

"I can't wait. It's been a long time since the last game ... I'm really looking forward to meeting up with the boys and getting this tournament off to a good start."

The Australian team will assemble in Singapore for a training camp and warm-up match before heading to Thailand before the Asian Cup kick off on July 7.