Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic has revealed that he left the club on loan to boost his chances of playing in this summer's World Cup finals.
The 21-year-old told Wales Online that he joined Cardiff City on a temporary deal in the hope of securing a place in Serbia's squad for the tournament.
"Playing in the World Cup is one of the reasons I came," he said.
"But the main reason was to improve my game, as a 21-year-old. The World Cup is one of the biggest events for every player but it will be tough to earn a spot.
"I'm 21 years old, it's great to play in the Premier League and the Championship already, I'm on a good run now.
"I received the call for the next two Serbia friendly games and hopefully I'll be in the World Cup."
Grujic has earned plaudits for his performances at Cardiff and has helped the club cement their position in the Championship's automatic promotion places in recent weeks.
Mark Langshaw
