Sydney FC will hand new recruit Nick Carle his first real hit-out for the club when they take on Scottish giants Rangers tonight. The 28-year old former Crystal Palace midfielder has been sidelined since he signed for the Sky Blues but is now ready and raring to go for tonight's second match day of the Festival of Football at the Sydney Football Stadium.

"I'm ready to play," Carle said. "It's obviously up to the coaching staff, but I am feeling good and have worked hard.

"It has been difficult sitting in the stands watching, but the wait is over.

"You can train as much as you can but you need match fitness to get to your peak. I'm busting to get on the field so I can get that fitness level up. It's really, really important to get a couple of games under the belt before the start of the season."

And Carle said the main target was to be ready for the A-League season opener against Melbourne Victory on Saturday week.

"It's all about being ready for that game," Carle added. "It's a huge one to start with, and we quickly need to be at our best."