Socceroo Nicky Carle knows many people don’t expect him to reach the World Cup, but he’ll do everything he can in the coming days to realise his childhood dream.
Named on Pim Verbeek’s 31-man provisional squad for the World Cup in South Africa in June, the creative Crystal Palace midfielder says he is working as hard as possible to claim a spot in final squad of 23.
The squad must be trimmed by June 1 and Verbeek is expected to use Australia’s friendly against New Zealand in Melbourne on May 24 as an opportunity to decide which players will be selected or cut.
“I don’t think there’s any secret that I’m one of the players that are fighting for a position in the 23,” Carle told Sky Sports radio on Friday.
“I’m just glad to be picked in the 31 and I’m going to keep my head down and work as hard as I can to try and get myself in that 23 and be able to play in South Africa.”
Carle would not be drawn on whether he is considering a move back to the A-League, amid speculation he could sign with Sydney FC.
His primary focus at the moment is the World Cup, he said.
“My sole focus at the moment is training hard and making sure I’m as fit as possible so when camp does start on the 19th (of May) I’m ready to go.”
Carle said representing Australia at the World Cup would be the highlight of his career.
“There’s no bigger thing, it’s a childhood dream,” he said.
“If you’re a football fan, you’ve been watching the World Cup since you were young, to be able to get the chance to play in one of them, you’d have to pinch yourself.”
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