Former A-League player of the year Nicky Carle is one step away from reaching the English Premier League after his club Bristol City defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 this morning to qualify for the Championship play-off final.
The win gave Bristol a 4-2 aggregate win over the two semi-final legs against Crystal Palace, and puts Carle’s side into the final against either Hull or Watford at Wembley.
The attacking midfielder will now miss Australia’s May 23 exhibition match against Ghana.
City conceded early but fought back with goals to Lee Trundle and Michael McIndoe to take the win in extra-time.
Carle starred for the Newcastle Jets in the 2006-2007 season to be awarded the A-League’s player of the year, before leaving to play in Turkey and then linking up with Bristol City.