Position: Defender
Born: 18.02.78
Club: Hertha Berlin

Josip Simunic has played himself right into contention as a first-choice player with an impressive season for Hertha Berlin.

Simunic joined the Berlin outfit after a fall-out with his previous coach Franck Pagelsdorf at Hamburg SV and endured something of a slow start, but improved performances have seen him stake his claim at international level.

Although coach Mirko Jozic has no shortage of quality at the back Simunic, who was born in Australia but elected to play for Croatia, could get his chance in the summer.

The talented utility player made the starting line-up in Croatia's recent friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina where he was twice denied by an inspired Almir Tolja in a 2-0 win.