Ex-Newcastle United duo honoured in ‘Team of the Century’ alongside former Celtic and Leeds United stars

Former Newcastle United duo Craig Moore and Mark Viduka have been honoured after being named in Australia’s ‘Team of the Century’.

This year marks the centenary of the Socceroos’ first international game and Football Australia have marked the landmark by naming a squad made up of 23 of the best players to represent them during that time.

Former Celtic striker Viduka earned 43 senior caps and spent two injury-hit seasons at Newcastle in the latter stages of his career.

The powerful forward joined United on a free transfer as he became Sam Allardyce’s first signing in the summer of 200 but endured a mixed time at St James Park.

Viduka went on to scored seven goals in 40 appearances for the Magpies but retired from the professional game following their relegation in 2009.

Despite leaving the club on a low, the striker reflected kindly on his time working under Allardyce and successor Kevin Keegan during an interview with the Premier League in 2019.

He said: “Sam Allardyce was very keen to bring me over to Newcastle, it was a big club,

“When we played against them it was always a great atmosphere up there with the Geordies.

“I loved Kevin Keegan. He was a good guy, I liked him.

“He was very funny. We got on very well and I thought he was great. He used to give us little tips and these little tips you get from these people are very beneficial.”

Former Rangers defender Moore was signed by former United boss Graeme Souness in the summer of 2005 and went on to make 31 appearances for the Magpies.

Returning to Australia with Brisbane Roar in 2007, the centre-back spent time with Greek club Kavala, Brisbane Strikers and Sydney United before retiring after representing Australia at the 2010 World Cup.

Moore and Viduka were not the only former Premier League stars named in the ‘Team of the Century’ with the likes of Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer also honoured.