Hibs striker Ante Suto has been named in the Australia squad for two upcoming friendlies.
The Socceroos face Cameroon in Sydney on 27 March and Curacao in Melbourne four days later in their final home matches before the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The striker who was born in Croatia, signed for Hibs from Slaven Belupo, in the January transfer window, and so far has scored three goals in six games, only one of which he started.
He qualifies for the Socceroos through Melbourne-born father Anthony.
Hibs team mate Mattin Boyle is also in the squad but there is no place for Jack Iredale.
Head coach Tony Popovic said: “These are our last matches before our World Cup pre-camp, and we have considered a variety of factors in selecting this squad.
“For many this camp is another opportunity to represent the Socceroos.
“However, we have also included new faces, as this is our final chance to see players first-hand before our World Cup camp.
Popovic, also revealed that he’d been scouting Suto before his move to Hibs.
“He was at Slaven Belupo in Croatia, so, you know, a mid-table team. And I was watching him there because I knew about his father being born in Australia.
“I had no idea whether the boy wanted to play for Australia, but when that was made clear, I was actually on my way to watch him in Split against Hajduk. And then he moved to Hibs.
“So, it was an interesting move. Because I wasn’t sure he would adapt to the physicality and the speed of the game. But Mile (assistant Mile Jedinak ) went and met him and watched him train and played and had dinner with him.
“If hadn’t settled the way he had at Hibs, we probably wouldn’t have called him now. If he’s not quite ready or not adapting and not fitting in or physically struggling, we couldn’t have called him in.
“So he’s in due what he’s showing on the field, he’s scoring regularly, albeit he’s coming off the bench. He started his first game the other day, so it’s down to his performances.”
“He’s got a real eye for goal, real good instincts in and around the box, which you’re always looking for. Confident young man, you know.
