Saints keeper goal Piric out to silence Kane and co – and earn transfer to England
Bosnia and Herzegovina keeper Kenan Piric goes into the ‘shop window’ against England on Monday evening.
Piric, 29, a free agent after leaving Cyprus outfit AEK Larnaca, is being tracked by several British clubs, including Premier League new boys Southampton.
And he knows facing Harry Kane and Co at St James Park – when he’s expected to win an eighth cap for Sergej Barbarez’s visitors – provides him with the perfect opportunity to impress those interested in his signature.
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Piric, also being watched by Celtic and Sheffield United, declared: “England are one of the best teams in the world with one of the best forward lines in the world.
“Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden…it’s a huge game and a massive test for us. We’re in the shop window, with the chance to show our qualities. I’ve just had two good seasons with Larcana and now want to challenge myself in one of Europe’s top leagues.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“To play in England is the personal ambition. It’s a big step up from Cyprus, of course, but I’m confident it can happen.” If he does make the switch to English shores, Piric will be following in the footsteps of illustrious compatriots Edin Dzeko and Asmir Begovic.
Ex-Chelsea and Stoke keeper Begovic, retired from international football, is now at Queens Park Rangers, while Bosnia skipper Dzeko lifted the Premier League title twice with Manchester City in 2012 and 2014.
Piric, Golden Glove winner in Cyprus last season with 13 clean sheets, insists both are an inspiration to the next generation. He went on: “Begovic’s career is a great motivation – not just for me as a keeper but to all our players. And it’s the same with our leader Dzeko.
(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
“To go from Bosnia to Europe’s top leagues – like they have – is not easy for younger players in our country but they have shown what can be achieved with hard work, quality…and luck.
“There’s been a shift in the national squad. Many older players have retired and we have a new coach. So it’s up to us to stand up now.”
As for England’s chances of glory at the Euros, Piric, key figure in Larcana’s Europa Conference League run in 22-23 that ended in the last 16 against eventual winners West Ham, gave a positive response.
The ex-Maribor man, who has faced England at Under-21 level, added: “They’re in my top three – although it’s a tournament and that makes it hard.”
