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Phillips, 35, of Birmingham City, has been linked in recent days with a move to A-League club Perth Glory. The WA side's coach David Mitchell has been in England sniffing around for a striker to partner central striker Eugene Dadi.

The prospect of Dadi and Phillips sounds enticing despite their mid-30s vintage. And after Carney played 90 minutes against Birmingham City on Sunday in a 1-1 draw at St Andrews, he has put his stamp of approval on any such move.

"It'd be a great player to get. He's just an out-and-out goalscorer."

Phillips, who has represented England eight times, has scored over 230 goals in his career including winning the European Golden Boot for 1999/2000.

He's best remembered at Sunderland where he scored over 100 goals between 1997 and 2003.

"Whoever gets him would get a fantastic signing," added Carney.

However, the Socceroo confirmed that he himself is not about to rejoin the A-League.

"I've never considered coming back," he said. "When I left the A-League I wasn't a bad player but I've definitely improved a helluva lot since I've been overseas.

"My tempo, being able to do things quicker. If I came back to the A-League I wouldn't want to lose my sharpness and momentum and my physical fitness."

Carney is currently on loan at Norwich City from Sheffield United. The former Sydney FC man joins fellow Socceroo Scott Chippefield in holding off on a return to the A-League with Chipperfield committed to his Swiss club Basel till the end of 2010.

"There are a lot of good players in the A-League but going overseas playing at that high tempo," said Carney. "That's why I'm there and that's what I want to keep. My tempo."

And Carney says his former A-League club Sydney FC need an era of coaching stability along the same lines as Melbourne Victory.

He added: "It's still a great club but I think a disappointing season [last season]. I think it's important that they stick with one coach, to be honest. I think Melbourne have showed that.

"It's about getting a good coach - and there's a lot out there - and getting that one that's right for the team."

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