Cahill urges Pim to pick Carle

Tim Cahill has a blunt message for Australian national team coach Pim Verbeek ahead of Sunday 's (AEST) crunch 2010 World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Doha: it's time to play Nicky Carle.

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On the periphery thus far during Verbeek's six-match reign, Cahill is convinced the Merlin of the midfield should be given the opportunity to let his sorcery steer the Socceroos towards the next rung of the ladder to South Africa 2010.

Unnerved by Australia's lack of craft and cunning during last weekend's 1-0 loss to Iraq in Dubai, the Everton midfielder is desperate to see Carle unleashed by ultra-cautious pragmatist Verbeek.

Cahill didn't even make the bench against Iraq, on a night Australia sent more balls into orbit than NASA as they sought vainly to utilise the height of stringbean striker Josh Kennedy.

They were sucked into a creative black hole light years away from the Total Football doctrines that are part of Verbeek's heritage: however reluctant he may be to adopt the bright orange scriptures of adventure.

It was enough to make Cahill comment: "We need to create more chances; it just doesn't look at the minute like we're going to win two or three nil.

"We need a bit more flair and prowess up front (where Harry Kewell spent more time alone than

a hermit before being replaced in the second half against Iraq).

"I'd love to see Nicky Carle get a run. He's so creative and has that ability to put in that special pass that can open teams up.

"And he can score goals too. I played with him years ago and he's one player I really admire. I think he's been under-estimated by a lot of people."

So much so that Cahill ranks Carle, who starred for Bristol City in their close-but-no-cigar run towards the Premier League in his debut season in England, as better than Iraq's tousled-haired playmaker Nashat Akram.

"Look at how creative Akram is, how he moves the ball and splits defences, well I think Nicky Carle is probably three times the player," he insisted.

"He can come in and change a game and I'd love to see him start against Qatar. Look at how well he did for Bristol City, he was anything but a duck out of water. He hasn't been unearthed yet at international level but he

deserves to be because he is so creative."

Cahill, who expects to be back in contention for the remainder of Australia's World Cup qualification campaign assuming they negotiate the Group of Death, added: "This game against Qatar is a test of character. We have enough quality to hopefully carry us through because a defeat would put the pressure on us (leading into

the final group match against China at ANZ Stadium on June 22).

"The players need to stick together, they are up against a far better prepared Qatar team than the one we beat 3-0 in Melbourne.

"I think Qatar will set up shop and try and hit us on the break. They keep the ball well, are technically gifted and as good as anybody on their day."

Cahill also offered a stern retort to those who claim floppy-haired former A-League player of the year Carle is a luxury item whose shunning of defensive duties makes him expendable.

"Some of the best players in the world don't defend because their strength is going forward and unlocking the opposition," added Cahill, who left Australia bound for England on Friday after his recent metatarsal surgery

in Sydney.

"We have players who can compensate for that, like Vinnie Grella, who can hold off and cover for the likes of Nicky. He's done so many times for me when I've gone forward and done my thing for Australia. And he's perfectly suited to that role.

"The bottom line is that Nicky brings a different dimension, a different aspect and can put something on a plate for the strikers. I just have a good feeling about what he can bring to the team."

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