Viduka eyes glory as Lazio watch Kewell

MarkViduka believes he is swapping Celtic for success at Leeds

Mark Viduka believes his new Leeds United team-mates "can do some damage" this season - as Italian giants Lazio again eye Harry Kewell.

Viduka, a £7m summer signing from Celtic, had missed United's last three pre-season friendlies after picking up an ankle injury on Leeds' recent tour of Sweden.

The Australian international striker returned to the side for Satureday's 2-0 friendly win at Huddersfield, playing for 84 minutes before being replaced by Darren Huckerby.

But as Viduka stepped up his fitness, fellow Aussie Kewell was at the centre of more transfer speculation.

Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti sees him as a key factor in their bid to win the Champions League.

Cragnotti said: "I was very impressed with Kewell last season and saw the game against Roma in the UEFA Cup where he scored the winning goal.

"He is an excellent talent - I think the best in the Premiership - above Robbie Keane. He is a player who I admire and we will be looking at him this season and deciding for ourselves."

Viduka, who missed the final six weeks of last season through injury, was getting a much-needed work out ahead of Wednesday's Champions League third round qualifying tie with TSV 1860 Munich at Elland Road.

Viduka knows victory against the German side will open the floodgates towards the riches of the group stages, with the 24-year-old admitting the Leeds players are desperate for success.

Bowyer (left) celebrates a goal with Elland Road new boy Olivier Dacourt

"It was great to finally play a game in England," said Viduka. "There is a good team here. They are a good bunch of lads and we can do some damage.

"There are a lot of young players in this side who want success having come so close to it last season, but just missing out towards the end.

"The players are hungry. They have the ability and the will to do well, so we will see just how good we can be."

He admitted: "I've had some problems with my ankle. This is only the second full game I have played.

"I am struggling a little bit with fitness, but it was good to finally get out on the pitch and to get a good result. But I've still got a lot of work to do."

Leeds' win came courtesy of goals from Ian Harte and Lee Bowyer.