- Follows Adrian Segecic’s defection to play for Croatia
- Rising star, 21, was uncapped for the Socceroos
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has slammed the rising number of emerging stars who have turned their back on the national team months out from the World Cup.
Popovic, 58, is adamant international caps need to be earned, rather than handed out.
It comes after attacking midfielder Adrian Segecic shocked Football Australia after switching his international allegiance to Croatia.
The Socceroos boss pointed out Segecic, 21, was called into a national camp last year – before reiterating he won’t be pressured when it comes to selecting his squads.
‘I think we’ve done very well by the player… but the player has decided to play for Croatia, and we wish him all the best,’ a diplomatic Popovic said.
‘(But) if you’re getting called up for Australia through the junior levels, then you get called up by the Socceroos, shouldn’t that be enough (to show) that you are wanted?
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has slammed the rising number of emerging stars who have turned their back on the national team months out from the World Cup
It comes after attacking midfielder Adrian Segecic shocked Football Australia after switching his international allegiance to Croatia (he is pictured, playing for Portsmouth in the UK)
‘It’s probably better for Adrián that he’s gone because I now haven’t restricted him from going maybe to where he really wants to be.’
Sydney born Segecic qualifies to play for Croatia via his grandparents.
Fellow young gun Nectarios Triantis pledged himself to Greece last year – and Cristian Volpato is still to decide whether he will play for Italy or Australia.
Speaking ahead of the Socceroos’ upcoming friendlies against Cameroon and Curacao on home soil, Popovic questioned the sense of entitlement from some young players.
‘Maybe times have changed. But I know when I was 20 or 21, when I got called up to the national team, if I didn’t play… all I thought about was, ‘I love that environment, I want to play for Australia… I’ll keep fighting and hopefully one day I get selected,’ he said.
‘I wouldn’t walk out and make a phone call and say, who else wants me?
‘You can see by this squad, you can see by the last squads that we’ve selected… young players have a great opportunity with the Socceroos, that’s clear.
‘I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.’
Popovic admitted he has ‘left the door open’ for Volpato to commit after the pair recently met in person – but it will not remain ajar forever.
Cristian Volpato is still to confirm who he wants to play for internationally – after he rejected the opportunity to play at the 2022 World Cup with the Socceroos
Graham Arnold offered Volpato a spot in his squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – but the youngster rejected the opportunity.
With the World Cup beginning in June, Popovic added three uncapped players — Lucas Herrington, Ante Suto and Deni Juric — for the upcoming home series.
Suto – who plays for Hibernian in Scotland – has never set foot in Australia.
He is eligible to play for the Socceroos because he has dual citizenship, with his father born in Melbourne.
Late bloomer Juric, 28, has caught the eye playing in Poland while Herrington, 18, is earning rave reviews for his performances with MLS side Colorado Rapids.
