Warnock hits back at Verbeek

Palace boss slams his Australian counterpart

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 6th October 2008

Nick Carle Australia (Bristol City)

Carle: Left out of Verbeek's squad

Neil Warnock has slammed Australia coach Pim Verbeek for urging Nick Carle to quit Crystal Palace.

Verbeek made the claim last week, suggesting the midfielder's international prospects would improve if he were to leave England.

The Dutchman has left Carle out of his provisional squad for Australia's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Qatar next Wednesday as he believes the 26-year-old is struggling to cope with the demands of Championship football.

However, Warnock has defended his summer signing from Bristol City and advised Verbeek to keep his opinions to himself.

Freedom

"The coach should talk about his own performances with Australia," Warnock told the South London Press.

"He doesn't know anything about Palace - when has he seen us play? He's only read newspapers or seen TV games, which you can't possibly judge.

"We have people like Shaun Derry and Ben Watson winning the second ball to give Nick freedom on the pitch.

"He should come and see us more often and get a better assessment."

Honour

While tempers threaten to boil over off the pitch, Carle insists he is determined to win back his place in the national side with eye-catching performances on it.

"I've not heard anything about that, I've not seen the media reports," Carle said when asked about Verbeek's controversial outburst.

"But being left out was a disappointment because you always want to play for your country.

"I'm someone who always wants to be part of the international side - it's the biggest honour of any professional to play for their country. The onus is on me to work hard."