Sterjovski brought a dull game to life with his eighth international goal after 55 minutes and Carney made sure of the points two minutes from time.

The result also reignites Uzbekistan’s hopes of snatching third place and a play-off spot from the Gulf side when the two nations meet in Manama next week.

Despite indicating he would play his strongest side, Verbeek made eight largely enforced changes to the line-up which secured Australia’s place in the World Cup against Qatar on Saturday.

The game began at a sluggish pace on a bitterly cold Sydney night with the first real chance arriving after 12 minutes.

Socceroos midfielder Brett Holman received the ball from Harry Kewell outside the box, took a touch before firing a weak shot straight at goalkeeper Sayad Mohamed.

Bahrain were offering little in attack but did come close in the 25th minute. Skipper Mohamed Salmeen met a corner near the six-yard box but flashed his header over the crossbar.

A minute later, Scott McDonald blew a gilt-edged chance to break his international drought.

The Celtic forward was set free by a lovely ball from Holman but, with the goal at his mercy, snatched at the opportunity and blasted it well over the bar from the penalty spot.

The game was starting to open up, Salmeen flicking on a free-kick and forcing Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to fumble a save over the byline for a corner.

Carney’s far post cross after 38 minutes was met by Sterjovski but his header lacked both power and direction and was easily dealt with by the keeper.

Salman Isa let fly with a well-hit shot inside the box just before the break and a relieved Schwarzer, who was skippering the Socceroos, watched it sail just over his crossbar as a tame first-half drew to an end.

But Sterjovski struck 10 minutes after the break to set Australia on their way.

Carney’s long ball was directed into the box by Kewell’s first-time pass and Sterjovski pounced after midfielder Aaish Fouzi made a mess of his clearance.

Bahrain, desperate for at least a point, were denied an equaliser six minutes later when Abdulla Marzooqi was ruled offside after heading past Schwarzer.

Australia began to create plenty of chances and another goal seemed almost inevitable. It duly arrived in the 88th minute.

Jason Culina watched in disbelief as his bicycle kick struck the right post but Carney followed up to steer the ball home and secure a deserved win for the home side.