After being unveiled as Sydney FC's marquee signing on Thursday, Carle stated that despite being discarded from Pim Verbeek's 28-man squad for the World Cup, he would relish a return to the Roos.

And with Verbeek leaving his post after the event in South Africa, this potentially opens the door for Carle to return for the continental showpiece in Qatar - particularly so as many A-League players are expected to be called up for the Cup.

Under the tutelage of Vitezslav Lavicka, there's every chance that Carle - who starred during two seasons with the Jets - will be fired up to prove Verbeek wrong in the upcoming season.

But the much-anticipated return to Newcastle may not happen with Carle potentially in camp with the Socceroos in the first week of January 2011.

"There's no secret, I absolutely loved my time in Newcastle," Carle said yesterday at his unveiling as a sky blue marquee.

"They were brilliant people, brilliant support, great crowd and I've nothing but good things to say so hopefully I get a warm reception there."

However, judging by some of the forum comments of Squadron fans, they won't be giving Carle a particularly friendly welcome back.

And that stems from a comment the player made upon leaving for Genclerbirligi in 2007. He was reported as saying that if he returned to Australia, it would only be with the Jets.

Jets fans, however, will get a chance to see Carle play in Sydney when the two sides meet on November 7.

But Sydney fans are not complaining. One Cove fan we spoke to at the Carle announcement were relishing a genuine play-maker arrive to fill the boots of club great Stevie Corica.

"I know Lavicka really wanted him and now he's arrived, it's a good feeling," said Spiro. "He should be able to feed the 'Killer Bs'."