This is the country's first World Cup and the level of interest in the country is enormous.

The Slovaks face Costa Rica in Bratislava on Saturday, June 5, before they jet out to South Africa.

Hamsik also has media calls and book signings to contend with but asked if it was a distraction he said: "No, no."

The Napoli midfielder told the Slovakian FA'S official website, www.futbalsfz.sk: "We are pleased that the people of Slovakia are so interested in our progress at the World Cup.

"Therefore I am personally very pleased to deal with signatures and pose for pictures and movies. It's for their memories.

"Perhaps such events to help popularise football in our country even more is just what our sport needs."