Gary Johnson is pleased to have Nick Carle in England this week, rather than seeing him jetting around the world.

The Australian was due to take part in a World Cup qualifier for his country against Qatar on Wednesday night.

But Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has opted to leave out some of his European-based players, including City's midfielder and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell.

Gary told bcfc.co.uk: "I'm sure Nick would have liked to play in the game but their coach has decided he doesn't want some of the UK-based players jetting around the world.

"It's good news for the football club because Nick would only have arrived back in Bristol around 24 hours before the Sheffield Wednesday match, which is hardly ideal preparation."

The next international Nick could be involved in for Australia is another World Cup qualifier, against China PR in the Far East on March 26th.