Croatian striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nikola-Kalinic-c27943 unhappy with lack of first team football at Blackburn Rovers
Nikola Kalinic, the 23-year-old Blackburn Rovers striker, could be facing an Ewood Park exit in the summer because of lack of first team action. The Croatian international has not featured in the last three Rovers’ matches and was even left out of the squad
against Premier League giants Arsenal.
Kalinic’s representative Tomislav Erceg insisted that the striker was committed to Blackburn and was focusing on helping the club maintain their position in the English Premier League. However, with the current situation he was certain talks would have to
be held concerning Kalinic’s future over the summer.
Erceg revealed his client was not satisfied at Ewood Park because of lack of first team opportunities. He said while speaking to reporters, “It has not been easy for Nikola and we don't know what has happened because last month he played for a strong Croatian
team but he has not played a second for Blackburn.”
He insisted Kalinic was not considering other clubs at this point since he intended to honor his contract with the Rovers. Erceg continued, “He likes Blackburn Rovers and is happy here but he needs to play. He is a young player who is very confident about
what he can do and we will have to see what happens in the summer.”
“We will speak with the club in the summer but until then there is no problem and he will keep working hard to help the club. Obviously there are clubs who would want him but they are not even in our thoughts at the moment,” he concluded.
There have apparently been offers from other clubs for the Croatia striker but he has not shown interest since he wishes to remain at Blackburn. However, talks are scheduled to be held at the end of the season and if an agreement cannot be reached then Kalinic
might be facing an Ewood Park exit.
Kalinic arrived at Blackburn from Croatian side Hajduk Split in the summer of 2009 for an estimated fee of £6 million. His debut was somewhat delayed with complications in gaining his work permit but by late August, he was a Rovers player.
His first season started off fairly well, with Kalinic managing to score 7 goals in 33 appearances. Despite a not so impressive goal tally, the Croatian was given countless opportunities to prove himself for the Rovers. The same was not the case in his second
season at the club.
The 23-year-old has only made 18 appearances this campaign and has found the back of the net six times. It is understandable for the young forward to be frustrated, especially since he has been in terrific form for his country. The national team manager
previously described Kalinic as “the future of Croatian football.”
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