Daniel Garb is a soccer commentator for Ninemsn and SEN 1116.

Is Harry Kewell Mr. Misunderstood?

Overnight the typically cool mannered superstar launched a stunning tirade at prominent Fairfax Media football writer Mike Cockerill who suggested Kewell should match his form off the pitch with that on it.

It was clearly an organised attack and having stood half a metre away from him at the time - it was apparent just how desperate Kewell was set to the record straight.

He didn't miss the target.

"Is Mike Cockerill here? Well he's the one making all these accusations."

"I want to know why's he doing it. He's not only slated me, he's also slated the medical system the physios and my doctor."

Many will agree with Cockerill's article - he's certainly not alone in questioning Kewell's fitness and commitment over the years both from home and abroad - but there's no denying Harry has had to overcome huge obstacles just to maintain his status as a professional footballer.

Some even life threatening.

News Limited revealed recently that Kewell suffers from autoimmune hepatitis - a rare blood disorder he was diagnosed with in 2002 that if left untreated could have killed him within 10 years.

It was confirmed as the reason why Kewell missed so many Socceroos games early in his career which was the catalyst for doubts over his desire to wear the green and gold.

Add that to his well publicised battle with gout plus the litany of ankle, groin and hamstring injuries that have plagued him since he left Leeds United and its a minor miracle he's still playing the game.

Many others would have chucked in the towel.

Sure his bulging bank balance helps. He pays out of his own pocket for a physiotherapist to live with him full-time in Turkey ensuring his body is carefully managed from week to week - a luxury most other crocked stars would have treasured.

But it's also a testament to his desire to get the most out of his ailing muscles in the final stages of his career.

He's not the force he was but he hasn't been that for five years. And thats a situation Socceroos fans have come to terms with.

Long gone are the expectations of dazzling runs and jaw dropping strikes, yet the hype remains as a result of his image and the harsh reality that after Tim Cahill he's still our next best attacking force.

One point of Cockerill's article that shouldnt be disputed is the demand for him to prove he's got something left to offer against Ghana.

If selected - and sadly, that remains an if, its a big ask for him to steal the show in a team void of inspiration after nearly six months on the sidelines.

But this is a time for huge requests and in Cahill's absence a nation is begging for Harry to heed the call.

And in doing so he might just answer some critics along the way.