Harry's got a Kewell deal for Lismore with A-League match

IT may not be confirmed, but Football FNC general manager Steve Mackney says soccer legend Harry Kewell will take the field at Lismore next month.

DOHA, QATAR - JANUARY 18: Harry Kewell of Australia gestures to the referee during the AFC Asian Cup Group C match between the Australian Socceroos and Bahrain at Al-Sadd Stadium on January 18, 2011 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images). Picture: Robert Cianflone

IT may not be confirmed, but Football Far North Coast general manager Steve Mackney says soccer legend Harry Kewell will take the field for a planned A-League at Lismore next month.

The Northern Star yesterday revealed Kewell's team, Melbourne Heart, would play the Brisbane Roar in an A-League trial match at Lismore's Oakes Ovel on Sunday, August 25.

This will be Melbourne Heart's second trial match on the Northern Rivers, but the first since Kewell joined the team last month.

The 34-year-old is one of Australia's most successful players and is hopeful of playing in the World Cup with the Socceroos next year.

Lismore City Council and Football Far North Coast are the brains behind the trial match.

Mr Mackney said he had been told Kewell would play.

"Harry Kewell is a huge drawcard and it's been made clear that he will be here and participating," Mackney said.

"To have an icon like Harry in town is a massive coup and to have him playing should bring quite a few thousand more than last year.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people in our region."

L-R Jeny Dowell, Steve Mackney, Leanne Clark, Thomas George, Renee Moehead and Mitch Loew. Pictured at Lismore's Oak's Oval. Photo Patrick Gorbunovs / The Northern Star. Picture: Patrick Gorbunovs

About 3800 turned out to see Melbourne Heart take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in Lismore last year.

Council Tourism Coordinator Mitch Lowe expects at least 6000 people to attend.

"For a regional City like ours we're punching above our weight to get something like this," Lowe said.

"It's great to have matches likes this that really showcase how good our facilities are.

"If we do this well it might open up some opportunities to host other events.

"I think Harry is probably the most influential player we've had in Australia over the past 10 years."

Kewell has played for Liverpool, Leeds United and Galatasaray in a decorated career which has seen him represent Australia 58 times.

Melbourne Heart will be based in Lismore for four days, using some of the facilities in a pre-season camp.

Tickets will cost $15 (grandstand) and $5 (general admission) for the contest, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.

The Heart won the inaugural Craig Foster Cup when they beat Western Sydney in a penalty shootout in Lismore last year.

Lismore City Council has also received funding for the match by the NSW Government on behalf of Lismore Nationals MP Thomas George.