With Bunyodkor having lost to Adelaide in the 2008 semi-finals, the pair were re-united in the Group Stage this time around with the A-League side again coming out on top after winning 2-1 in Tashkent before sharing a goalless draw in the return fixture at Hindmarsh Stadium to advance to the last 16.

But with Mirdjalal Kasimov's Bunyodkor now in the latter half of the defence of their domestic title having entertained Adelaide prior to the start of the new season in Uzbekistan, Carney (pictured right) expects a different set of result this time around ahead of the quarter-final first leg in Adelaide on September 19.

"The Group Stage match against Adelaide in March was our first game of the season. We were right at the start of our new season while Adelaide were reaching the end of theirs, which made is difficult for us," said Carney, who joined Bunyodkor in February from Spanish Second Division club Alcorcon having previously played in Australia, England and Holland.

"But now the roles will be reversed as we are in the middle of our season, while Adelaide will be at the beginning of their season in Australia."

This season, Bunyodkor have made a return to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League for the first time since 2009 following back-to-back exits in the Round of 16 after finishing second to Adelaide in the Group Stage before edging out 2010 champions Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 1-0 at the end of May.

And should Bunyodkor overcome Adelaide following the second leg in Tashkent on October 3, the Swallows face a semi-final meeting with either 2011 K-League Cup winners Ulsan Hyundai or Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal.

"The strongest eight teams in the continent are now remaining in the AFC Champions League, and while they are all strong, they all have weaknesses," added Carney, who was on the score-sheet as Australia beat Uzbekistan 6-0 in the semi-finals of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

"We should take full advantage of playing at home, and if we reach our potential, our chance of winning will be very high.

"To reach the AFC Champions League final would not only be a dream come true for me, but also for my team-mates. This would take Bunyodkor to a new height in the history of the club.

"Bunyodkor is a very good team and I think we have a good chance for success in the AFC Champions League. If we have some luck, we will bring the AFC Champions League title to Uzbekistan for the first time."

Well-travelled Carney, who was a former team-mate of current Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney as a teenager at Everton, previously played in the AFC Champions League for Sydney FC in 2007 having helped the side win the A-League title in 2006.

"I remember our matches against Japan's Urawa Reds. I scored once and earned a penalty as we drew 2-2 in Japan and we drew 0-0 at home," added the former Sheffield United, Norwich City, FC Twente and Blackpool left-sided utility player.

"But at that time only one team qualified and we finished just behind Urawa, who went onto win the tournament."

Carney and his Bunyodkor team-mates will be trying to ensure it is their name that goes on the trophy in 2012.