Portsmouth favourite dealt international blow as former West Ham man makes surprise decision

Adrian Segečić has been dealt a surprise international blow despite his electric start to the new season.

The 22-year-old has netted two goals in the first six matches of the campaign in all competitions, which sparked late transfer window interest from Birmingham City, Wrexham and in Europe.

The attacking midfielder remained on the south coast, however, with John Mousinho making it clear the Blues did not receive a bid for one of their prized assets.

Pompey favourite dealt international blow

Despite his strong start, Segečić has been left out of Slaven Bilic’s 26-man squad for Croatia’s Nations League contests against the Czech Republic (September 27), Spain (September 30) and England (October 4) during the upcoming international break.

The Sydney-born talent, of course, switched international allegiances from the Socceroos in March, having failed to feature for the Aussie’s at senior level.

He has since appeared at U21s level for Croatia since his defection but was left out of former head coach Zlatko Dalic’s World Cup squad in the summer - although he was named on the seven-man reserve list.

Segečić’s wait to make his senior debut continues, however, with Bilic opting against handing opportunities to any youth-team players for the upcoming Nations League matches, despite reports in Croatia last week suggesting the Pompey attacker could be handed a call up.

Bilic, who has managed West Ham, West Brom and Watford during his career, explained his decision, saying: ‘I didn’t call up any of the U21 players, who I believe will one day become key players for the national team.

‘I agreed with (head coach Ivica) Olic that they should stay with him, as they have EURO qualifiers coming up.

‘There will not be six of them on the list anymore. I want to see them now. The Nations League is preparation for the Euros, and we want to achieve a big result at the Euros. These matches are also important to us because of the Euro qualifying draw.

‘Six forwards is a little too many for me. But looking ahead to the Euros, I want to see them now.

‘There could still be players emerging from the youth national team, such as Soticek, perhaps Sego (Segecic), Jagusic, and Majer are also playing very well.’

Play Up Pompey! Stay in the know with match-day action, exclusive analysis and more with our free newsletter

Adrian Segečić’s summer interest

Segečić’s stock was on the rise after an outstanding Championship emergence last season.

The versatile forward netted 10 goals and collected six assists in 40 appearances for the Blues, which saw his stock rise sharply ahead of the summer window.

After a strong start to the campaign, which has seen him net twice in the opening six matches, the Croatian had interest from second-tier rivals Birmingham City and Wrexham, while a European side were also keeping tabs.

Segečić ultimately remained at Fratton Park, with Mousinho insisting after the deadline that no bid had been received.

The 2025 arrival still has two years to run on his current deal on the south coast.

Your next Pompey read: Marezi’s warning to Championship defences as he prepares to kickstart Portsmouth impact