Apology will pave way for Kewell

Leeds striker Harry Kewell, who had threatened to boycott Australia?s friendly against world champions France at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 11 November, is set to play after all.

Dominic Galati, managing director of promotions firm IEC, who are sponsoring the game, is ready to apologise for the accusations that made Kewell issue his threat.

Galati alleged that Kewell, who has played only 45 minutes of football for Australia in the past two years, demanded £30,000 to play in an exhibition match against Manchester United in 1999.

Galati said: ?Everybody wants to see Harry play for Australia and that is why I am doing what I am doing.?

Australia?s coach Frank Farina is in no mood to allow simmering grievances to undermine Australia?s final warm-up match before their two-legged World Cup qualifier against the fifth-placed South American nation.

He said: ?I am confident this will be sorted out and Harry will play.?