International coach sees Hibs scouting mission unveiled as star aided by Easter Road teammate on new journey
The forward joined Hibs during the winter transfer window after time in Croatian football.
Hibs forward Ante Suto has revealed the Socceroos scouting mission that has sparked a call-up to the Australian national team.
The Croatian-born star qualifies for Tony Popovic’s team through his Aussie dad and will be involved in friendly matches against Cameroon and Curacao in the next week, as Socceroo preparations for this summer’s World Cup continue. Suto joined Hibs in January from Slaven Belupo in Croatia and has so far scored three goals with an assist across seven games.
While Popovic didn’t have a meeting with him, assistant and Australian legend Mile Jedinak cast the eye over the Hibs forward in person. That helped sell Suto on his international allegiance as Easter Road teammate turned international buddy, Martin Boyle, proves a key sounding board down under.
Ante Suto on Australia call-up
He said to reporters in Australia: “It’s my first time being here and what a way to be here for your first time. I mean, it's an unbelievable feeling. I'm honoured to be here, honoured to represent Australia, and it's just amazing. I couldn't believe it the first time. But yeah, now I'm here, and I can't wait to play in front of the home fans.
“It's been part of my life. So, since I was a kid, since I started, you know, thinking about it. I mean, I know all the stuff about Australia. I know about the weather. I know about the spiders and all that. So, yeah, my father is actually scared of spiders. He's been telling me all the stuff about Australia. He's also proud, my family is proud, and I'm proud to be here. I'm just super excited.
“I didn't speak to the coach. I spoke with the assistant coach, Mile Jedinak. He was in Scotland, actually, for my game. We were on the lunch and, yeah, it was a good conversation. I was super proud to be with him because he's an Australian legend. I mean, I didn't think much. It's a great opportunity for me, and, yeah, I'm just proud to be here.
Who is helping Ante Suto at Australia national team?
“My first memory (of Australian national team) is the 2006 World Cup. I was a little boy back then but that is the first thing I can remember. I’ve been aware of it since I started playing but the last year when I started to score goals and give assists, it came up to my that it’s a possibility to be here in Australia.
“Martin Boyle is here also. He is my captain at the club. He also helped me. So, yeah, it's easier when you have someone like that. It's happened really quickly. One month ago, I was in Croatia playing for Slaven Belupo, and there were connections back then. But when I moved to Scotland, I started well, I expected to start well. But not like that. So, yeah, it happened quickly. I can't be more happy than I am now.
“I think my best quality is that I give 100% on every ball, every second on the field. I'm just trying to help the team in all the ways, and, of course, my job is to score goals. I'm good at it also and hopefully I'm going to score some goals for Socceroos.”