sport, local-sport

MELBOURNE Heart skipper Simon Colosimo says he would love to see former Socceroos teammate Harry Kewell in the A-League — at any club. Kewell has been flirting with the idea of playing in the national competition after being cut loose from Turkish giant Galatasaray at the end of last season. Melbourne Victory has tabled a lucrative offer to the veteran and was expected to hear soon from the former Liverpool and Leeds striker’s management whether it had been accepted. Given Kewell’s management is based in France, they will have up until midnight in Europe to respond to the offer, the details of which have not been disclosed. Colosimo, who has 26 international caps, said Kewell, 32, would be a marketing tool like no other in the A-League and hopes clubs haven’t given up hope of securing his signature. “I’d love to see him back here,” Colosimo, 32, said. “Irrespective of who he plays for. “I’ve been able to see first hand from a couple of guys, whether it’s John (Aloisi) or Josip (Skoko), Tony Popovic at Sydney, these players bring so much to the league. “Harry is different again. “I think all supporters want to see him out on the field. “He’s someone I think everyone would to love to see play. “It would be great for the game.” While the club has lost a truckload of experience in John Aloisi, Josip Skoko, Michael Beauchamp, Gerald Sibon and Dean Heffernan, Colosimo is confident Heart can make the finals after it finished eighth, six points outside the finals in its debut season. But it faces a tough start to the season, opening its campaign away to Newcastle Jets on October 8, followed by a home game against Perth Glory on October 16 and a blockbuster local derby against Victory at Etihad Stadium on October 22. “We are confident we will improve from last year,” said Colosimo, who has had stints in the A-League with Sydney FC and Perth Glory and also played with Manchester City, Antwerp and Sivasspor. “You can’t replace guys like Aloisi and Skoko. “They are a couple of the greatest players ever to play for Australia. “But our sights are set on playing finals — playing finals definitely is our No.1 priority.” With signings Fred and Maycon bringing to three the number of Brazilians at the club, Heart is sure to possess plenty of firepower up front this season. But Colosimo said finding the right balance was crucial. “I think goalscoring power was part of our game last year,” he said. “We were quite entertaining. “We probably let ourselves down in the defensive aspect. “We are working on the balance of playing that entertaining football and trying to get a result.” Heart will finalise its team today for tonight’s clash against the AWFA.