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Rangers star Antonio Colak handed dream Croatia World Cup chance as Ibrox goal exploits earn big call-up

ANTONIO COLAK'S World Cup dream has been given an almighty boost after he was named in Croatia's 34-man provisional squad.

The Rangers forward has been in exceptional form since his summer arrival from PAOK, netting 14 times in 16 games across all competitions, including his latest strike against Aberdeen this weekend.

Colak's goalscoring form has led to international recognition
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Colak's goalscoring form has led to international recognitionCredit: AFP
Barisic went to Euro 2020 but missed out through injury
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Barisic went to Euro 2020 but missed out through injuryCredit: Willie Vass
Josip Juranovic has made the right-back position his own at national level
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Josip Juranovic has made the right-back position his own at national levelCredit: Kenny Ramsay

And the Ibrox No.9's exploits haven't gone unnoticed as national team boss Zlatko Dalic has opted to name him alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Andrej Kramaric and Ivan Perisic in his initial pool of players.

As the Qatar World Cup, which starts in three weeks, draws nearer Dalic's squad will need to be trimmed down to 26 bodies.

But if Colak can keep on firing at his current rate before then, he'll do his case no harm as he looks to build on his three caps to date - the last of which came over a year ago.

Colak's agent, Ivan Jolic, had hoped his move to Ibrox would only help propel him back into the national team.

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And his prediction looks as if it's come true after an excellent start to life in Glasgow.

He previously told SunSport: “Antonio couldn’t be happier at Rangers or with his life in Glasgow.

“It means so much to him that Gio and Ross have such belief in his ability. He lives for scoring goals and things are working out well.

“But there’s so much more to come from him, too. He has a long-term contract and knows he can achieve so much with Rangers.

“Colak couldn’t settle at PAOK. But he is very happy in Scotland and it also gives him a greater chance to play for Croatia.

“He also feels playing for Rangers can help him achieve his dream of playing for Croatia at the World Cup this winter.”

Colak isn't the only SPFL player to have caught the attention of the national side as Rangers teammate Borna Barisic and Celtic's Josip Juranovic both make the squad.

The full backs have been regular fixtures in Dalic's side over the last couple of years as both were taken to the delayed Euro 2020.

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Croatia will be hoping to follow up on their heroics from Russia after they came within touching distance of getting their hands on the biggest prize in world football, getting beat by France in the World Cup Final.

They face off against Morocco, Belgium and Canada in Qatar next month.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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