Hibs striker Ante Suto says he is honoured to have been called up by Australia for two upcoming friendlies against Cameroon and Curacao.
Suto who has scored three times in his seven appearances for Hibs is in line for a Socceroos debut this week possibly alongside teammate Martin Boyle.
Just over two years ago he was playing for second-tier NK Croatia Zmijavci before moving to Slaven Belupo in January 2024.
He moved to Hibs during the January transfer window and has quickly become a fans favourite.
Born and raised in Croatia, 25-year-old Suto qualifies for Tony Popovic’s side thanks to his Australian father, who hails from Melbourne.
Suto told the Socceroos official website: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’m honoured to be here, honoured to represent Australia. It’s just amazing. I couldn’t believe it at the first time, but now I’m here and can’t wait to play in front of the home fans.
“I spoke with assistant coach, Mile Jedinak. He was in Scotland actually, for my game [for Hibernian]. We had lunch, it was a good conversation, and I was super proud to be with him, because he’s Australian legend. I didn’t think much. It’s a great opportunity for me, and I’m just proud to be here.
“It’s been part of my life, since I was a kid. I mean, I know all the stuff about Australia. I know about the weather, I know about the spiders and all that. So my father is actually scared of spiders, so 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. So I’m just super excited.
“My father has been bringing [vegemite] home since I was a kid. I don’t like it to be fair! My father likes it. He loves it, but me and my sisters, it’s not for us.
“My first memories [of Australian football] are the 2006 World Cup. I was a little boy back then, but that’s the first thing I can remember. The possibility of playing for Australia, I’ve been aware of it since I started playing, but the last year, when I started playing much more, started to score goals and giving assists, it just came up to my head – maybe it’s a possibility to be here. It’s happened so quickly. To be honest, I didn’t expect to be so quick. But I’m here now.
“I think my best quality is that I give 100% on every ball, every second on the on the field. I’m just trying to help the team in all the ways. My job is to score goals, and I’m good at it also, and hopefully I’m going to score some goals for Socceroos.
“I started playing football when I was five years old and I was a little shy boy,”
“I played in my hometown [Imotski, Croatia]. It’s a village of 2,000 people, and everyone in the village are proud of me. Now I’m here in this city, in this country, and here I get goosebumps now thinking about it.
“It’s an amazing journey, but all of that is just hard work and dedication.
“Two months ago I was playing in Croatia, and two years ago I was playing in second division in Croatia.
“This is a big thing for me and I’m not looking into the future. I just want to be my best at every game and hopefully I’ll get a call-up for a World Cup.
“When I moved to Scotland, I started well. I expected to start well, but not like that. So it happened quickly and I can’t be more happy than I am now. “
