SYDNEY. Nov 10: Former Liverpool star Craig Johnston has appealed to Harry Kewell not to make the same mistake as he did by opting for club over country, reports AFP.

Johnston, who won multiple English league championship and FA Cup winner's medrls with Liverpool in the 1980s, was at the centre of a similar row to the one now revolving around Kewell.

The 21-year-old Leeds star has withdrawn from the Soc-ceroo team to play Brazil here on Sunday.

Leeds at first refused to release the attacking midfielder, then agreed that he could play in the Sydney match, only for Kewell to announce he would not be available because of )n-’rhe latest in a series of withdrawals has brought into question Kewell's commitment io playing for his country.

"In my time in England I made a decision and in a lot of ways I've regretted that decision ever since." Johnston said Wednesday of his non-appearance for Australia at international level.

"If I had a child of my own whom I could coach, I would make sure he turned up to every match possible for his country without getting Into trouble on the domestic front." he told Australian Associated Press from London.

"From my personal side. I can see both sides of this situation and it’s very difficult. One of the big problems is the immense travel distance to Australia which isn't good for club or country.

"But Kewell has to do what’s best for Harry the international and Harry the club player. He's closer than anyone to the situation and he's a big boy."

Johnston, who was born in South Africa but raised in Australia by Australian parents, pleaded for supporters and officials to think about a long term solution to the problem rather than react hastily now and regret it later.

Johnston represented England twice at under-21 level, but never wore the green and gold because of ongoing disputes with Australian soccer officials.

The high point of his career came in 1986, when he was a key member of the Liverpool team which won the league and FA Cup double.

Johnston is convinced that Kewell is the best footballer Australia has produced.

"I was at the Arsenal-Real Madrid game last night where some of the world's finest footballers were on show and very senior football officials said Kewell was the best young footballer at the moment."