HAVING been ignored by the national team for much of his 15-year career, one might think Nicky Carle holds an underlying resentment about playing for Australia. But if there is any lingering bitterness, you wouldn't know it.

His tally of just 12 caps remains baffling for one of the nation's most technically gifted players.

Happy … Nicky Carle. Credit:Simone De Peak

One could forgive him for being angry, yet Carle harbours no such emotion. With Holger Osieck set to name his squad next Tuesday to face Saudi Arabia on February 29 - a squad likely to be composed mostly of local players - the 30-year-old is praying his name will be called out for the first time in more than two years.

''I'd love to be a part of the national team, and I don't think there's any player who will tell you they don't want to be a part of it,'' he said yesterday.