Socceroos playmaker Ajdin Hrustic has vowed to save his Dutch club Heracles Almelo from relegation.
Coached by former Adelaide United football director Ernest Faber, a Heracles side that also includes former Western United and Perth Glory midfielder Rhys Bozinovski is bottom of the Eredivisie and in serious danger of dropping to the Netherlands’ second division.
And while Hrustic’s immediate focus is on Australia’s FIFA Series games against Cameroon (Friday night, Sydney) and Curacao (next Tuesday, Melbourne), he is determined to save Heracles’ 2025-26 campaign on his return to Europe.
“The season hasn’t been the best,” the 29-year-old Dandenong product said on Monday.
“It’s been tough, a lot of changes, ups and downs, but I’ve managed to play a good part in it with a few goals and assists.
“I’m happy (individually), but I always want more, so I won’t stop, and I’ll make sure that we gets ourselves out of the relegation zone.
“We’ll take it day-by-day, game-by-game.”
Hrustic’s club form has helped earn him a Socceroos recall after he wasn’t selected in the national squad for November’s games Venezuela and Colombia.
It’s a timely return with the FIFA World Cup starting in June.
“Every camp is important, every camp is special. You’ve just got to enjoy it … and get out there and be yourself,” Hrustic said.
One player not in camp is former Sydney FC star Adrian Segecic, who this month pledged his international allegiance to Croatia despite having represented Australia at under-17, under-20 and under 23 levels.
“The boy’s made his decision. It’s his choice and his family’s,” said Hrustic, who rejected the chance to represent Bosnia-Herzegovina nine years ago to fulfil his dream of playing for the Socceroos.
“He (Segecic) is a good player, but we’re focused on us and the boys that do want to represent Australia.
“Unfortunately, that’s how it is … but there are many boys who can’t wait to get the green and gold on.”
