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Carle's On A Mission To Silence His Critics
NICK Carle is on a mission to defy his doubters and sees promotion to the English Premier League as a chance to shut them up once and for all.
The Socceroo midfielder has also recalled the moment he thought he had ruined Bristol City's Wembley dream and spoken of his huge relief.Carle conceded a penalty in the 72nd minute of the club's semi-final play-off against Crystal Palace at Ashton Gate in midweek.
His tackle on Tom Soares left City fans, as well as Carle, with their hearts in their mouths. Thankfully for the ex Newcastle Jet Ben Watson's spot-kick struck a post and extra-time goals from Lee Trundle and Michael McIndoe took City to within a game of the Premier League after a deserved 4-2 aggregate win at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night.
Carle told the Bristol Evening Post: "When I gave the penalty away I was absolutely devastated.
"It was the worst feeling I've ever experienced. I thought I'd let the whole team down and all the supporters as well.
"The boys had worked so hard to get to this position and it looked as though the entire season was going to go to waste. I could hardly bring myself to watch when he stepped up to take the penalty.
"Luckily he missed and we picked it up from there and put the pressure on them.
"I'm just so glad it went the right way for us.
"We really turned it around in extra-time, mainly because our fitness levels were better."
For Carle, facing Hull City in the play-off final at Wembley is a massive opportunity to make a big statement.
He is anxious to prove wrong those critics who predicted he would struggle in English football following his January move from Genclerbirligi.
He said: "A lot of people said I wouldn't be able to play in England, especially in the Championship. A lot of people said I couldn't play in a 4-4-2 formation.
"I've tried my best to prove those theories wrong and winning at Wembley and reaching the Premier League will, hopefully, disprove the doubters once and for all."
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