Socceroos bolter Ajdin Hrustic says he hopes he can bring something a “little bit extra” to the Australia squad ahead of the must-win 2018 World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.
Hrustic, who turns 21 next month, was the surprise inclusion in Ange Postecoglou’s final 23-man squad for the upcoming matches which begin in Adelaide against the Green Falcons.
The Melbourne-born attacking midfielder is a relative unknown in Australia having moved to Europe as a 14-year-old and never representing an A-League club.
Hrustic has had spells with Nottingham Forest, Schalke 04 and now Dutch club FC Groningen where he emerged in the past two months with seven appearances and a debut Eredivisie goal.
The youngster may get his chance to show off his talent to Australian audiences on Thursday and he revealed his style ahead of his potential debut.
“I’m an attacking player. I take risks in the opponents’ half,” Hrustic said.
“I tend to look forward all the time. I think it can bring a little something to the squad, a little bit extra.”
Hrustic’s rise has been so sudden that he’s still amazed when asked about a potential international debut.
“I can’t describe it,” Hrustic said.
“I cannot wait to put on the Australia shirt and step on the field and hopefully bring something extra.”
Hrustic, who has played at Groningen as a winger, said he’d enjoyed his first taste of the Socceroos camp and was looking up the likes of Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie.
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