HARRY Kewell for the World Cup. It's not as crazy as it sounds.

Before people start wondering why I'm throwing up another 35-year-old option for the Socceroos, there are some good reasons to consider Harry for Brazil.

The likely loss of Robbie Kruse to a knee injury is a sad blow for both the player and the country. Losing one of our young guns hurts.

News_Rich_Media: The Socceroos World Cup preparations are about to gear up, with a March clash against fellow qualifiers Ecuador set to be announced.

On that score, it was devastating for Rhys Williams - another of Australia's brightest young talents - to tear his achilles tendon so close to the World Cup.

Hopefully for Kruse and Williams, Australia will qualify for 2018 and they will be front and centre in Russia.

In a purely football sense, Kewell is the most obvious replacement for Kruse. Even in the dimming twilight of his career, Harry can still offer X-factor off the bench and provide versatility by covering several positions in the front third.

And unlike many of the older guys, Kewell is playing good, consistent and regular football now with the Melbourne Heart after being hit by injury at the start of the season.

Kewell evokes a lot of emotion. It comes with the territory when you are a great player.

But when you drill down below the hype and celebrity, there is a lot to like about what Kewell is doing with the Heart.

More than anything, he has stepped up as a leader, showing the way with his actions, and it is no coincidence that the Heart have lifted with their captain on the park.

News_Rich_Media: Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou shares his thoughts on some of the nations senior stars and who he will look to lock in for their final international friendlies in March.

It is humbling for any footballer to go through the difficulties Kewell has faced - from the constant heckling, injuries and losing a season to family issues - and he seems to have come through it a stronger man.

In many ways, he reflects the Heart.

This is a club that could have folded their cards when coach John Aloisi was sacked and they were on the verge of the longest losing streak in Australian football.

News_Rich_Media: Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou discusses some of the players he will be looking to assess on his journey through Europe and the Middle East ahead of the 2014 FFA World Cup.

Now, with Kewell on deck, they have won two games and the future looks bright with Manchester City's owners buying into the club. Having their marquee man in Brazil would top it off nicely.

We all know Kewell has a strong desire to play in a third World Cup, but rather than talk it up, he is letting his football mount a case for him. And it's quite compelling.

He was superb against Sydney FC on Friday night, and not in the way you immediately imagine when Kewell turns on a starring performance.

It wasn't the blinding quick Kewell from his days at Leeds, those days are well gone. He has had better games with his touch and vision, too.

This performance was all about composure under fire, being a leader when the Heart most needed one. When his team went a goal behind and were down to 10 men in the first half, he refused to let heads drop.

News_Image_File: Harry Kewell has been in great form for Melbourne Heart.

As the lone man up front, he chased lost causes, harassed the Sydney defenders and pushed his team to what can only be described as a miracle victory.

While David Williams was the hero with his brilliant late goal, Harry was the team's heartbeat. He kept them in the fight.

For all that, Kewell must know he is making his run for Brazil from a long way back. He's last on the turn in football's equivalent of the Melbourne Cup.

News_Image_File: Socceroos star Harry Kewell reacts after getting a red card at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

He has a lot of work ahead of him to convince Ange Postecoglou he's worthy of a spot.

But, as I said, he's doing everything right.

If Harry did make it to the World Cup, it would help to right a wrong in Australian football.

As one of the greatest players this country has produced, it would be a shame if his final World Cup act was the hand ball and red card in the game against Ghana four years ago in Rustenburg.

Perhaps the stars are aligning for Harry. Maybe I'm getting a bit soft, but it would be a good World Cup story.