Supposedly Viduka refused to play the second half of Celtic's famous Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness Calley Thistle. Sore loser, perchance?
Melbourne-born of Croatian/Ukrainian descent, Viduka has proved himself a talented, if complicated, striker during a 10-year spell in British football. Bought by Celtic in December 1998 for £3.5m from Croatia Zagreb, he quit the club citing stress without having played a game.
He came back, proved himself a strong target man with an eye for goal (bagging 30 in 37 league games), was named Scottish Player Of The Year and moved for £6.5m to Leeds in 1999.
In five years at Elland Road he went from European Cup semi-finals to relegation without ever losing his touch (scoring 22, 22, 16, 22 and 13). Less impressive – or consistent – in three years at the Riverside and now into the veteran stage, Viduka will be hoping he earns his place at St James’ Park.