Fresh from making his senior club debut for the Balkan giants at the back end of last month, Noa, still just 18, has already picked up 21 caps at youth level for the Vatreni, captaining his adopted country in his last two matches for the U-18s.

And, 51-cap father Josip - whose distinguished playing career included stints in the Premier League with Wigan as well as two spells with Hajduk - isn’t pressuring his progeny to favour one nation over the other.

A budding facsimile of his famous father in terms of creativity and calmness in possession, Skoko junior was born in England but spent his formative years in Australia before returning to his family’s roots on the Dalmatian Coast.

It’s where his heart lies, at least for now, as he continues a football education which Skoko senior believes could see him make a name for himself in years to come.

“The thinking when we moved (as a family) to Croatia was for Noa to get as many games under his belt as possible,” Skoko told FTBL.

“And being based over in Croatia it made a lot of sense to join the set up here if he got the opportunity.

“That has come and he’s been moving up through the ranks and every international break he picks up a bit more experience with the Croatian national team.

“It’s been great for his progress but what the future holds nobody know. For the moment he’s happy just getting game time at club and international level.”

Noa, who signed his first pro contract in January, has by no means shut the door on the green and gold, with Football Australia closely monitoring his progress and in contact with the family.

“That’s always going to be something in the back of his mind, depending on what level he gets to and what opportunities present themselves at the time,” added Skoko senior.

“He’s always said he wants to play at a World Cup and for me I’d just be happy to see him play for either country. If he can get to that level then he’s done well.

“If there’s ever a choice to be made it’s up to him and he’ll know at the time what’s best for him.
“I’ve spoken a lot with the Australian national team (coaches) over the last couple of years.

A member of the Hajduk side which reached the 2022–23 UEFA Youth League final, Noa made his senior bow off the bench in the 5-1 win over Rudes at a club with deep family connections.

“I know the club really well of course and it’s a good step for him,” added Skoko. “He’s really a number ten type player who loves to get forward and make things happen. Assuming he stays fit and healthy and keeps working hard you don’t know where that could take him.

“Nothing happens over night and the next two years will be really important for his development. If he can nail down a spot at Hajduk then I think it’ll be a good springboard for a pretty decent career.

“Like any young kid he wants to play at the highest level he can. He’s ticked a couple of boxes but this is just really the start for him.

“This is the time where he wants to begin to make his mark at a club where it’s difficult to break through and succeed.”