A cracking goal from youngster David Carney handed Australia a 1-0 victory over African heavyweights Nigeria in an international soccer friendly at London's Craven Cottage.

Playing just his sixth international match, the 23-year-old midfielder from Sydney made the crucial breakthrough early in the second half after the Socceroos had dominated the first term.

Scott McDonald had the first chance in the third minute, but he glanced his shot off a Carney cross just wide of the right post.

Harry Kewell then found himself in open space but fired over the cross bar.

Brett Emerton's free kick required a strong save from Nigeria goalkeeper Dele Aiyenuga diving to his right.

Australia exerted virtually all of the attacking pressure in the first half hour.

The only Nigerian chance of the opening 30 minutes resulted in an outstanding save by Mark Schwarzer.

The Socceroos `keeper was unflappable when Nigerian striker Ayo Makinwa took a shot, only for Schwarzer to leap high into the air and tip the ball over the crossbar with his finger tips.

Nick Carle was impressive in his first start for the Socceroos when he replaced injured midfielder Tim Cahill.

Carle could have been rewarded with a first-half goal, but his shot was well saved by Aiyenuga, stretching high to his right.

Luke Wilkshire then fired in but his effort went just wide of the left post.

Schwarzer made another excellent save diving to his left to keep out Osaze Odemwingie's attempt in the 39th minute.

He was called upon again a short time later to deny Makinwa off a cross from Newcastle United striker and Nigeria captain Obafemi Martins and the teams left the field at halftime with the scores locked at 0-0.

Carney, who plays for Sheffield United in England's Championship - one division below the Premier League - broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute.

He collected the ball in open space on the left, held it up and fired a cool-headed shot into the back of the net from distance, sending the largely Australian crowd of 11,953 into raptures.

On another positive note for the Socceroos, Kewell showed his long injury comeback was still on track, playing a full match for his country.

The Australian defence was solid in the face of a challenging Nigeria late in the match to preserve their lead.

Carle could have made it 2-0 in injury time, but his shot was well stopped by the Nigerian custodian.

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