Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been praised by former Manchester City attacker Stevan Jovetic after his performance for Montenegro.
Mercifully, this is the final international break of 2023.
The run of international breaks in September, October and November is met with collective groans across the nation.
PNE at least went into this break off the back of a victory, beating rivals Blackburn Rovers 2-1 away at Ewood Park.
A few North End players have jetted off around the world to play for their countries, including striker Milutin Osmajic…
Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic earns praise after Montenegro win
Osmajic was handed a starting role for Montenegro on Thursday night – but maybe not where PNE fans would expect to see him utilised.
Montenegro boss Miodrag Radulović decided to deploy Osmajic on the right flank of a 4-4-2 against Lithuania.
Captain Stevan Jovetic and Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic started up top, meaning Osmajic had to make do with a spot out wide.
Montenegro ran out 2-0 winners with Edvin Kuc and Jovetic on the scoresheet as Osmajic got through a full 90 minutes.
Some fans may recognise the name of Jovetic, who joined Manchester City for £28million some 10 years ago.
Jovetic is a big name in Montenegrin football and has been around the block with the likes of Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Sevilla, Monaco, Hertha Berlin and Olympiacos.
The 34-year-old spoke to CG Fudbal after the win over Lithuania and moved to praise Osmajic alongside a number of other Montenegro players who ‘surprised’ him with a strong performance.
“Everyone did their best. They died for this jersey, which should always be a priority,” said Jovetic. “The defence was exceptional, Osmajić, Camaj, Kuč, Krstović. They really surprised me. I congratulate them on this occasion,” he added.
Osmajic’s Euro 2024 hopes on the line tonight
Montenegro have their date with destiny this afternoon as they travel to take on Hungary.
This is the final game of Euro 2024 qualifying and Montenegro still have a chance to finish second in Group G.
Neighbours Serbia sit second right now but a defeat at home to Bulgaria today would open the door for Montengro to swoop in.
That seems unlikely; Bulgaria are bottom of Group G and Montenegro winning in Hungary is a long shot.
Even a point for Serbia would leave them in a strong position as they have a much better goal difference than Montenegro.
Osmajic may well start again today and will be desperate to write a piece of Montenegrin history in the process.