It has been one setback after another for the player, who has been a spectator for much of a so-far forgettable campaign.

But he can see light at the end of the tunnel and is hoping to help provide the fans with an early Christmas present.

'I'll definitely be putting my hand up for selection but it's obviously up to the coaching staff now about how they want to bring me back and whether they want to start me or put me on the bench,'' Carle told the Sydney Morning Herald.

''There's no escaping I've been out for a very long time and have hardly played at all this season so we'll have to see what the gaffer decides to do but I'm feeling good and can't wait to get back playing with the first team.''

Carle completed of 45 minutes in Sydney's National Youth League match in Adelaide last Friday, with no ill effects.

He believes Sydney need to win six or seven of their last 10 games to figure in the finals.