Emerging Caltex Socceroos centre-back makes loan switch

Highly-rated Australian defender Aleksandar Susnjar has joined seven-time Slovak champions MSK Zilina on a sixth-month loan from Mlada Boleslav.

The 22-year-old centre-back links up with the Fortuna Liga outfit in search of regular first-team opportunities in Europe.

Susnjar, who debuted for the Caltex Socceroos in March, has already been earmarked as a potential leader among Jaroslav Kentos' youthful squad.

He will wear the number 16 shirt vacated by David Hancko, who was snapped up by Fiorentina in June.

"Even before I came here I learned about the history of Zilina, which is really rich," Susnjar told his new club's website.

"It's the most successful club in the league and although it currently has a young team, the guys work hard in every training session, which I like.

"It's definitely a step forward for me. I'm at a club with high ambitions."

Born in Perth, Susnjar was named on Australia's preliminary 32-man list for the FIFA World Cup™ in Russia.

The left-footer came to prominence with a string of impressive performances for the Olyroos at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship.