'Only the beginning' - Pompey favourite Adrian Segečić honoured despite Croatia World Cup blow after snubbing Socceroos
Adrian Segečić has been speaking after being left out of Croatia’s 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup Finals
Adrian Segečić admitted he’s deeply honoured to be in Zlatko Dalić’s thinking despite not making the Croatia boss’s squad for next month’s World Cup Finals.
The Australian-born Pompey forward added making the Vatreni’s 26-man line-up for the tournament was not something he seriously considered when he decided to switch international allegiances earlier this year.
So to be on the Croatia standby list if any player is forced to withdraw due to injury or illness represents a huge achievement for the Fratton favourite.
In-form Segečić, who finished his maiden season with the Blues as the club’s top scorer with 11 goals, was under serious consideration by Zlatko Dalić after making a huge impression on the country’s football hierarchy while linking up with their under-21 set-up for the first time in March.
A run of five goals and three assists over Pompey’s last six games of the season - including a hat-trick at Stoke on the penultimate weekend of the season - was also looked upon admirably by the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists.
However, the 21-year-old came up short in the end, missing out on Croatia’s 26-man squad, but being named on their seven-man back-up contingent.
That means Segečić will be watching on with interest when Dalić’s side complete their World Cup preparations against Belgium and Slovenia, before heading Stateside for their tournament opener against England on June 17.
There’s a small chance the Blues’ attacking midfielder could still be on the plane for that game in Dallas.
Regardless. Segečić knows he’ll have plenty more opportunities in the future as his Croatia career is only getting started.
Speaking after the Croatia squad was announced, the attacking midfielder said: ‘Honestly, I didn’t expect everything to happen so quickly. I was focused on my performances and proving myself every day at club level, so receiving a pre-call-up from coach is a huge honour and motivation for me.
‘Of course, every young player dreams of being close to Croatia’s senior national team, but I know this is only the beginning and that I have to keep working even harder.’
Former Pompey midfielder and FA Cup winner Niko Kranjcar, who is part of the Croatia under-21 coaching set-up, has been among those helping Segečić to adapt to his new surroundings following his decision to turn his back on the Socceroos.
And according to the current Blues favourite, the 41-year-old still has incredible quality.
Segečić said: ‘Niko has been excellent with me from day one. He’s very approachable and immediately helped me settle into the team.
‘On the pitch, it’s amazing to learn from him because he still has incredible quality, which you can see every time he joins training. I really enjoy working with him.’