Canberra teen Nikola Jadric pushes ahead during Croatian season suspension

The Canberra teenager had been playing with Croatian club HNK Rijeka before the Juniori season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He'd featured in five pre-season and two regular round matches for the under-19's side, who are awaiting the all-clear from the Croatian Federation to resume training.

But Jadric had to come home to Canberra once the season was cut-short. It means he could miss out on the season's potential return due to the strict travel restrictions in place.

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The Juniori competition was scheduled to finish in June, before the cycle restarts with pre-season training the following month.

So the 17-year-old midfielder is working to push himself ahead of the pack in the slight chance he's able to return this year.

"I'm always worried about not getting back. My coach has given me exercises to do to keep up with and make sure I'm ready in the slight chance I have to leave straight away," Jadric said.

"I'm keeping fit and we follow a training program to make sure we can play at our best."

Jadric was picked up by the Rijeka last year following Canberra Croatia's (formerly Canberra FC) tour of the country.

He initially trialed with the club in 2018 and was offered a position, but his paperwork fell through due to his age.

Most of Jadric's teammates, especially in the attacking midfield, are 18 and 19 years old. So the teenager had to push himself in new ways to be noticed, including moving from an attacking to defensive role.

"When I got to Rijeka, I realised my 80-90 percent wouldn't be enough. I had to put my all in at training just to match up with my teammates to stand a chance," Jadric said.

"I realised I had something they didn't so I had to try and make myself stand out as a player. So I used my defensive attributes.

"I saw there were many boys in the team technically far better than me and the team lacked aggression in defence. So I made sure I tackled hard and be the one to win the ball in challenges, to come out on top."

Jadric's goal is to work is way through the ranks and become a full-time player in first grade.

Rijeka often give promising juniors the chance to train and play pre-season matches with the first grade side.

"That's why Rijeka are very good, they look at the potential of players and are able to identify whether they are willing to invest time in you," Jadric said.

"They're helpful and look after you, so my aim is to get myself into first grade training and then play a first grade game."

Jadric also faces the challenge of concurrently doing his Year 12 studies. Before he came back to Canberra in March, Jadric had been adjusting to life in a foreign country and playing football while continuing his Australian education.

But the hardest part? Being away from his friends and family.

"My family has been my biggest support. Mum and dad have always helped me pursue what I want to do," Jadric said.

"I wouldn't be where I am today with them and [former Canberra United Youth League coach] Dean Ugrinic. He transformed me as a player and prepared me for European football."