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Carle feels the love

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4 July 2008 | 12:05 - SBS: Vitor Sobral

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Socceroos midfielder Nick Carle has revealed that it was Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock’s determination to sign him that convinced him to move to London.

 

Carle had impressed during his six months at Bristol City but switched to Palace shortly after the Socceroos World Cup qualifying campaign wrapped up in late June.

“On one hand I had a club, Crystal Palace and Neil Warnock saying to me ‘we really, really want to sign you’ and on the other hand I had a coach saying to me, ‘look we’ve got the money we wanted for you, so if you want to go you can go’, so it was an easy choice for me,” Carle explained.

The 26-year-old had shown his defensive steel while helping Bristol to the Premier League play-off match but the creative whiz is hoping he can show a bit more of his attacking flair under Warnock.

“When I went over he explained where he’d like me to sit in the side and I think it will really suit me. It’s a new challenge for me and I’m really looking forward to that,” he added.

Carle also revealed that it was his decision not to play against China in Australia’s qualifying match in Sydney last month.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek gave Carle the option of staying in camp or having time off.

“I really thought it was probably best to make sure I had my week or two rest and spend time with the family because that’s really important after being away for a year straight,” Carle said.

“I wanted to make sure that I’m ready to for next season. I feel that if you don’t get a good pre-season in then you’re catching up all year.”

“So rather than missing some of the pre-season I’d rather miss that (China) game so I can have my rest time, which is important after such a long season.”

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