Antonio Colak could be in line for a shock world cup call up for Croatia after his country’s NT took to Twitter to praise his mesmerising form for Rangers.

The German-born Croat striker, 29, does have 3 caps for his country, his first being in the early throes of his career, and the final two being during his excellent spell for Malmo late last year, so this wouldn’t be uncharted territory for him, but it would still be one hell of a reward for his form.

What is the competition for his slot?

Croatia are a bit of an aging attack these days – their youngest attacker is still 28, with just Spurs’ Ivan Perišić as their marquee forward at age 33. Kramarić would be their other main man but at 31 he’s not getting much younger either.

Indeed, if there’s one position Croatia aren’t blessed with an embarrassment of riches, it’s up front, and there’s no reason Čolak cannot get a sacred world cup call from Zlatko Dalić.

With 🔟 league goals this season, #Croatia striker in @RangersFC shirt Antonio Mirko Čolak is currently the Scottish Premiership top scorer! 🇭🇷🔝#Family #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 https://t.co/aE2pbtzdB0

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 8, 2022

And that praise from the Hrvatskog nogometnog savez (Or Croatian football association to you and I) was well-received and very timely, with today’s Euro 2024 draw being made too.

Čolak has produced his end, his form has been scintillating and he’s scored in Europe as well, and with room for up to 26 players, there’s every possibility he’ll get that call to represent his country in Qatar.

What a boon that would be.