Former Portsmouth favourite Niko Kranjcar tips Fratton sensation with exciting future despite World Cup blow
Adrian Segecic missed out on a spot in Croatia’s World Cup squad, despite finishing the campaign as Pompey’s top scorer.
Niko Kranjcar has tipped Adrian Segecic to reach football’s ‘elite level’ despite missing out on a spot in Croatia’s World Cup squad.
And the former Pompey favourite has shared his love at working with the 21-year-old after switching international allegiances in March.
Pompey favourite suffers World Cup blow
Instead, Segecic is one of seven players currently on stand-by should any of Dalic’s side withdraw due to injury or illness.
It’s a frustrating blow for the popular Blues attacker, who enjoyed an outstanding maiden campaign at Fratton Park following his switch from Sydney FC 12-months ago.
The Australia-born ace netted 11 goals and collected four assists in 40 appearances for John Mousinho’s side - ending his first Championship season as Pompey’s leading scorer.
And despite the forward’s World Cup blow, Kranjcar, who won the FA Cup during a successful three-year stay at Fratton Park, has tipped Segecic to one day reach football’s ‘elite level’.
Former Pompey & Spurs man tips Adrian Segecic with bright future
Speaking to Sportske Novosti, the Croatia U21 head coach said: ‘He is a specific player, because we don't have a lot of profiles like that. Fast, agile, vertical, with modern performances.
‘I don't know where he will be, but I am sure that he has the necessary qualities to grow to a high, elite level of football.
‘It's all up to him, and I can say that we enjoy working with him. He fits in perfectly, shares our values, follows the staff, the ideas, and his teammates.
‘Nothing was guaranteed to him, he started like everyone else, but the impression is that he is different and that today and tomorrow he can be a great value.
‘With him, yes, some players have opened up from whom we expect a lot. Zvonarek is progressing, Jagušić, Grgić has appeared... Croatia is constantly producing talent.
‘I am sure that by the next qualifiers, new names will appear that we may not even know about today. That is the beauty of Croatian football.’
Segecic enjoyed a brilliant run-in on the south coast, with five of his 11 league goals coming in the final three matches - including a hat-trick against Stoke City.
The young attacker played a vital role in the Blues’ survival quest and contributed a further three assists in the final six matches.
Interest is, however, growing in the Aussie-born forward, who still has two years to run on his current terms at PO4.