‘I believe…’: Portsmouth hero Adrian Segecic targets Croatia World Cup dream after international defection
Adrian Segecic has a World Cup international charge in his sights with Croatia.
And Pompey’s in-form attacking maestro believes his current Championship form shows he’s capable of impacting the finals in North America this summer given the chance.
Segecic fired his maiden hat-trick in English football to carry his side to a 3-1 success over Stoke City on their final away trip of the season.
That takes Pompey’s top scorer’s total into double figures in his first season in the Championship, with Segecic in hot form and on a run of four goals and three assists from five games.
The 21-year-old has switched his international allegiances from Australia to Croatia, with the attacker called up at under-21 level last month.
But Segecic sees no reason why he can’t make the transition to senior level, with Zlatko Dalic’s qualifying for this summer finals.
Making the squad would see Segecic come up against England in the competition’s group stages, with Panama and Ghana also in Group L.
The Sydney Cyclone feels there’s no reason he can’t make his dreams come true by making it to the finals.
Segecic said: ‘Even when I first went to Croatia I was immediately looking at the senior team.
‘No matter what position I’m in I’m always going to push myself.
‘I said months and months ago when people said I won’t get near the side I felt I could push for it. I can now start saying to people I can do it - and I back myself to do it.
‘People will say I can’t do it, but I back myself and believe I can. Of course I can do it. I’d back myself to play at any level.
‘I’ve shown I can do it at times this season, I believe in myself and I know I can do it.’
Segecic breaking into double figures for goals this season was an unexpected boost for both the player and his club, after this week stating that was target for next term.
He also has four assists in a breakout campaign, with one more clash against Birmingham City to come next weekend where he can add to his total.
That will then set the bar which Segecic will try to improve upon next season.
He added: ‘I said last week it would be good for me to get double digits next season, but now I’ve done it this season!
‘I guess I just have to keep going and try to beat whatever I do this season. I’ll need to add to it next season.’