The 18-year-old graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport joined Bundesliga side FC Nurnberg at the start of the season and his performances have alerted the Croatians

Spiranovic, who was born in Geelong and is eligible to play for Australia, England or Croatia, has yet to make a senior appearance for the Socceroos despite featuring for Australia at Under-17 and Under-20 levels.

Spiranovic's father, Michael Spiranovic, has now confirmed Croatian authorities contacted his German-based son about switching national allegiances.

But he revealed: "He can become a nationalised Croatian, but he has always said that he wanted to play for Australia.

"As far as I know, Graham Arnold offered him a spot in the Socceroos when they play Uruguay. They can cap him then and the issue is dead and buried."

Arnold is keen to secure his future before the Croatians poach another Australia-born player.

"I've had a very good chat to Matthew and indicated to him he's definitely a player for the future," Arnold revealed.

"He plays in a position where, because of a spate of retirements, there will be great opportunities. I told him I'm looking to fast-track him into the Socceroos set-up, and his response was very positive.

"He admitted he had spoken to Croatia, and their coaching staff, but he made it clear he was very patriotic about Australia. For me, it was a great relief."

Three of Croatia's squad - goalkeeper Joey Didulica and defenders Ante Seric and Josip Simunic - at the 2006 World Cup were born in Australia, although the Socceroos had the last laugh when they progressed to the knockout phase ahead of the former Yugoslav republic.

Spiranovic said his son had spoken to Simunic, about Croatia.

"Joe, to his credit, said there are benefits to play for Croatia, but he told Matthew to follow his heart," he told The Geelong Advertiser.

"If you look at it logistically, to play internationals (for Croatia while playing in Europe) you may travel to France or Czech Republic and lose a day out of your time, but if you play for the Socceroos it is hard work logistically because there is a lot of travel.

"But Matt has always been balanced and wants to play for the Aussies. It is always the dream of a young kid."

Australia are due to meet Uruguay and Argentina on home soil in June as they prepare for the AFC Asian Cup finals in South East Asia one month later and Spiranovic is expected to be named in Arnold's squad for those games.