If Carney played against the Japanese at the MCG next Wednesday  and was handed a yellow card, he'd be suspended for Australia's first World Cup qualifier in South Africa next year.

He said that alone could be the difference between being on the plane and missing out on the big event. 

"I don't want to miss the World Cup. It's the worst possible," said Carney. "For me it would be. I might struggle to get selected in the team that goes if you miss [are suspended for] the first game.

"It's something to really think about but I'm not the type to get a yellow but with my luck I may end up getting it with these refs as well."

However, Socceroo boss Pim Verbeek said after the game he was reluctant to play players against Japan who had suspensions hanging over their heads. It may mean Carney is rested for the clash against the Blue Samurai.

"I want to play. 100% I want to play. It's just up to the coach," added Carney.

Carney conceded getting a yellow would be praying on his mind against the mobile Japanese forward line.

"To get a yellow would absolutely kill me. I think it's terrible. Absolutely terrible," he added of the ruling. "And I think all the lads have said it as well.  There's no need for it.

"Two yellows is hard enough with the amount of games you play. Once you get a second yellow against Japan, they should just wipe it clean.

"I'm going to have to sit down with Pim [Verbeek] and have a word, but, I definitely want to play. Something like the World Cup, you'd definitely think about it," said the former Everton youth team player.

Meanwhile Carney, one of the Socceroo scorers against Bahrain on Wednesday night, says his troubles at his Sheffield  United can be solved by leaving the club - and he hasn't ruled out a move to the Continent.

Carney has been on the outer for much of his time at the club since arriving from Sydney FC in 2007.

The flyer says he cannot afford another season in the reserves at United, particularly with the World Cup just 12 months away but ruled out a move back to the A-League.

This season he spent time out on loan at Norwich City.