Former Australian international Brett Holman has praised former Leeds United and Newcastle United forward Mark Viduka for taking him under his wing when he first broke into the national team. Holman spent two years playing alongside Viduka after making his debut for Australia in 2006.
Holman revealed when he got his first call the two players made sure he was part of the set up, and would take him out for a drink so he could integrate with the squad. The former Aston Villa midfielder believes what Viduka and Popovic did for him in those early years was very helpful.
“I will never forget the World Cups, Asian Cups, and even the group, just how great it was. When I first went in, Mark Viduka, Tony Popovic taking me under their wing and were saying let’s go out, have a beer, then you feel you were part of it. Just great, unbelievable,” said the 32-year-old.
Viduka spent nine seasons playing in England for Leeds United, Newcastle United and also Middlesbrough. The forward made nearly 250 league appearances during his time with the three clubs, scoring 92 goals.
