New Blackpool signing Oliver Sarkic puts club before country

Sarkic, who was born in Grimsby but raised in Belgium, is eligible to play for Montenegro through his father.

The 23-year-old has represented the country seven times at Under-21 level, scoring three goals, but the forward has yet to make his bow for the senior side.

Asked if he would like to, Sarkic told The Gazette: “Yes, definitely. But it’s not really a priority now. My priority is to do well with Blackpool because if I’m doing well with the club and my name is out there, then I’m sure I will get the call-up. I’m taking it one step at a time, so I’m fully concentrating on training and getting as fit as I can. If it comes, it comes; if not, too bad.”

Sarkic arrived at Bloomfield Road this summer after turning down a new contract at Burton Albion. He made 37 appearances for the Brewers last season, scoring five times.

The former Benfica and Anderlecht youngster can play as a striker or anywhere across the front line.

“Growing up I was always bouncing around positions,” he explained. “Some coaches thought I was a box-to-box midfielder, some thought I was a defensive midfielder, some thought I was an out-and-out striker or a number 10.

“I think I’m more of a 10 or a nine-and-a-half, so if we were to play with two strikers I’d be the one that comes short and runs around the target man.”

Whatever position Sarkic is plays in, he believes Neil Critchley’s high-tempo, high-intensity style of play will suit his game.

“I love that style of football,” he said. “When we first spoke, Neil talked about how he sees us playing and I also mentioned what I can help him with.

“He described me as a player perfectly, which really impressed me because not many coaches know exactly what my best position is, seeing as I was playing out on the wing at Burton.

“It was only in the last few games when I began to play a bit more centrally.

“He described me well and told me what I can work on, and he thinks he can help me work on those things I need to improve. I believe he can.

“I feel I can fit into his style of play, which is an aggressive, on the front foot type of attacking as well as defending, which I agree with completely.

“I also think he can help me improve because that’s what coaches do with the Under-23s and Under-18s.”