Rangers midfielder Niko Kranjcar has not yet given up hope of returning to the international setup despite his prolonged absence.
The 32-year-old has been capped 81 times by the Croatia national team, but has not featured on the biggest stage for four years, last appearing during a World Cup play-off against Iceland.
However, Kranjcar insists he is still hungry to make an impact for Ante Cacic’s senior side, and wants to use Rangers as a stepping stone to help him keep his international ambitions alive.
The former Premier League star has made his return to training following a long-term injury setback, which saw him sidelined for the majority of the 2016-17 season.
Kranjcar made just 15 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists, before suffering a serious knee cruciate injury in October.
He has therefore, yet to feature under new Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha, but Kranjcar is convinced he can still do it all for club and country.
He told the Daily Record: “Until I officially retire from football, I am always available to play for Croatia. Obviously, I know I am older and the young guys in the team have a big advantage over me.
“But when I recover and get back in shape, one of my ambitions is to pull on the Croatia shirt again. I won’t give up on playing for my country.”
Caixinha will be closely monitoring the progress of Kranjcar since his return from injury over the next few weeks, with Rangers set to begin their Europa League qualifying campaign later this month.
The attacking-midfielder has valuable experience to bring the table, and has unfinished business at Ibrox, after his debut season was cut abruptly short with injury.
He is out of contract at the Scottish club at the end of next season.