Tottenham gem Luka Vuskovic set for new milestone after loan heroics

Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic has made a huge impression in Germany this season while on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has revealed he's considering handing Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic his first senior national team start.

The 18-year-old wonderkid has made just one international appearance for his country to date, playing three minutes off the bench in a World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in June.

However, with Croatia now on the cusp of booking their ticket to their seventh World Cup finals, Dalic has indicated he wants to mix up his starting XI for this Friday's home clash against the Faroe Island.

Dalic said: "It's an ideal opportunity to try something new. We've only conceded one goal so far, which is very good.

"We have young and potent players. [Josip] Stanisic is back, that's very important. Vuskovic will get a chance on Friday and after that he will probably return to the youth team, play against Hungary, he's the most important player there. Vuskovic has great potential, he deserves a call-up."

The centre-back has been in inspired form on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg this season, playing 90 minutes in each of their past nine matches in all competitions.

Vuskovic also scored in September's 2-1 league victory over Heidenheim and additionally, helped his side snatch a last-gasp point against Borussia Dortmund last weekend.

His latest national team call-up hands him the chance to learn from Croatia's most-experienced players including legendary captain Luka Modric, Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol and former Spurs winger Ivan Perisic.

If he remains fit, Vuskovic looks certain to be included on Dalic's squad for next summer's World Cup providing Croatia are able to see the job through.

Speaking last month, HSV chief Claus Costa made it clear Tottenham were tracking their teenage prodigy's progress very closely.

Costa revealed: "We had very constructive discussions with Tottenham; they’re a top-professional club, judging by the communication with loan manager Andy Scoulding.

“They’re closely monitoring the player, which shows how they assess Luka. Tottenham isn’t interested in weakening us or ruining the loan.

“It’s understandable that they’re trying to protect themselves against possible worst-case scenarios. Otherwise, I don’t want to comment further.

“I believe Tottenham also knows how good the situation here is for Luka. That’s why I hope we never get into a situation where we have to think about anything else.”