Carle Out Of Socceroos Clash With Ghana

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From http://news.smh.com.au/sport/carle-out-of-...80514-2e8k.html

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Carle out of Socceroos clash with Ghana

May 14, 2008 - 6:18PM



Former A-League player of the year Nick Carle is out of the Socceroos' friendly against Ghana next week, but one win away from becoming the newest Australian in the English Premier League.


Carle's English Championship club Bristol City advanced to the promotion playoff final at Wembley Stadium on May 24 with a 2-1 semi-final, second-leg win against Crystal Palace to go through 4-2 on aggregate.


Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek confirmed on Wednesday Carle would be allowed to remain with his club and won't be required for the Ghana match in Sydney on May 23.


Carle, who has become a first-team regular since his mid-season move from Turkish club Genclerbirligi, was nearly the villain of the piece.


The former Newcastle Jets star conceded a 72nd minute penalty. His challenge on Palace's Tom Soares was adjudged a foul and gave Ben Watson the chance to break a 2-2 aggregate deadlock.


But Watson's spot-kick hit the post and the match remained tied on aggregate after 90 minutes, forcing extra-time.


Two cracking goals from Bristol City's Lee Trundle and Michael McIndoe followed, allowing City to break the deadlock and put themselves within sight of the Premier League for the first time.


City, who were in the old First Division for a couple of seasons in the early 1980s, will meet either Hull or Watford for the right to play in the Premier League.


Hull, who play Watford in their second leg semi-final, also have an Australian in their ranks - West Australian midfielder Richard Garcia.


With the television rights, improved sponsorship and gate receipt riches awaiting in the Premier League, the promotion playoff is estimated to be worth around $A80 million for the winning club.


"We've got to be careful because we've still got one massive game to go. It's not over," Bristol City manager Gary Johnson told reporters afterwards.


"We'll enjoy Wembley, but everyone knows you only enjoy it when you're the winners."


Verbeek said he would not replace Carle in the Socceroos squad for the Ghana match, which will now reduce to 23.


The Dutchman said he was confident he had enough cover in Carle's position.


But despite his absence for the Ghana match, Carle is a good chance for selection in the Socceroos squad for the two World Cup qualifiers in the Middle East next month.


Carle is unlikely to feature in Australia's qualifier against Iraq in Brisbane on June 1.


The Socceroos then play away matches against Iraq in Dubai on June 7 and Qatar in Doha on June 14.