Hibs ace reveals secret to flying start - and drops 'love it' challenge over playing at Celtic Park cauldron
Striker qualifies for Australia AND Croatia - so will move to Scotland land international call-up?
Hibs new boy Ante Suto has brought his own personal trainer to Edinburgh in order to help him settle in Scotland. And he’s revealed how he’s enjoying life in the capital DESPITE the local climate.
The Croatian-Australian striker, a Deadline Day arrival from Slaven Belupo, has so far scored two goals in three substitute appearances for his new club. Already fluent in English thanks to his Aussie family background, he’s felt at home since day one.
“I’m settled in,” he said, adding: “It’s good that I’ve been here for two weeks so I’m not new anymore.
“I’m with my friend here, my personal trainer Stipica (Kolovrat). We are from the same city. He knows me all my life. I have brought him here to help me at the start.
“I’ve worked with him for a long time. Maybe since I was 17. I just felt I needed more. A football player needs more training to be the best he can be.
“After training I spend time with him, exploring the city, he is helping me the most. But the people in the club are helping too.
“It’s been a bit rainy. Which is strange to me because in Croatia it’s always good weather. But I don’t mind. It’s a beautiful city.”
Suto, who had initially been lined up for a move to Hibs in the summer, added: “I had contact six months before I moved here. So I was already looking at what to expect here back then. It was an easy decision for me.
“A few fans have recognised me walking round the city. They mention the header against Dundee United! They are so kind to me from the start and after these games even better.”
Celtic challenge no big deal for forward
Suto is unfazed by the prospect of making a first trip to Celtic Park today, point out: “Hibs are a big club. We have 18,000 or 19,000 at every home game.
“Every game is the same for me, whether it is Celtic or someone from at the bottom of the table. It doesn’t mean anything to me.
“Fans wise, back in Croatia, Hajduk Split was maybe the closest to this kind of atmosphere we have in Scotland. They have 20-30,000 every game. Dinamo Zagreb too is a big club with a good crowd.
“I enjoy it. I love it when there’s a big crowd in the stadium. It’s an honour to play in front of that and I enjoy it.
“I came here just to play football. I’m giving my best in every training session and every match. We will see what happens.
“I hope to maybe get a move to a bigger league one day. But now I want to score goals and help the club win games.”
Suto has already spoken to The Evening News about his Australian links. And he’s revealed that Martin Boyle and Jack Iredale have been pushing the Socceroos cause.
“They all know I’m half and half,” he said, adding: “They would like for me to go to Australia ... but we will see.
“I am Croatian and Australian so we will see what happens. I can play for either.
“Yeah there has been contact with those at Australia. But I don’t know yet. We will see. It’s just early contact at this stage.”