Adrian Segečić remains away with Croatia under-21s during the international break

Croatia under-21 boss Ivica Olić has allowed a couple of his current squad to head back to their clubs after qualification for next summer’s European Championships was secured.

However, Pompey forward Adrian Segečić isn’t one of the two who have been permitted to leave the camp early.

The young Vatreni booked their passage to next year’s tournament in Albania and Serbia thanks to a 3-1 win against Hungary last Saturday.

Further qualifiers against Ukraine (tonight) and Lithuania (Tuesday) remain over the current three-week long international break.

But with qualification now in the can, Olić has allowed Hajduk Split defender Simun Hrgovic and Watford’s Branimir Mlacic to return to their parent sides.

There’s no suggestion that either player is injured. In fact, it’s been reported that Hrgovic has been granted permission to leave so he can prepare for Hajduk’s ‘Eternal Derby’ game against arch-rivals Dinamo Zagreb on Saturday, October 10.

Mlacic, meanwhile, had been with Watford for less than three weeks after his transfer deadline day loan move from Udinese was agreed.

The 19-year-old had featured just twice for the Hornets before being asked to link up with his international team-mates on September 21.

Segečić’s game time this season

Featuring on the left wing, Segečić started and played 70 minutes of Croatia under-21s’ victory over Hungary in Varaždin last weekend.

He’s also anticipated to be involved when the Vatreni take on Ukraine in Miskolc, Hungary, later on Friday.

The Sydney-born attacking midfielder’s latest appearance represented his third run-out for Olić’s side after he switched international allegiances back in the spring.

He’s already featured in nine games for club and country this season, with the 22-year-old starting all eight of Pompey’s matches to date.

In that period, Segečić has registered two goals and one assist as he continues the form that saw him finish as the Blues’ top scorer last season.

His availability will be crucial when Pompey return to Championship action against arch-rivals Southampton in the south-coast derby on Sunday, October 1.

There’s no doubt John Mousinho would have been hoping the player had been given the same respite awarded to Hrgovic and Mlacic ahead of such a crucial fixture.

At this moment in time, the earliest Segečić will link up with the Blues again will be Wednesday, October 7.

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