NIKICA JELAVIC says his form with Rangers will be the key to him winning a place in his country's Euro 2012 squad next summer.
The Croatian forward was a substitute as his nation crushed Turkey in the recent play-offs for the summer tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
And he admits there is real strength in depth within the Croats' squad, meaning he must be at his best for the Light Blues throughout the campaign.
He said: "I am satisfied with my form and Rangers have helped me a lot because I play good football here and score goals and I hope I can continue that and play some more for the national team.
"I play for Croatia with my heart, not for the money or anything else. I would like to play of course, but if I am on the bench it is not a problem for me.
"We have a very strong squad, especially in the forward positions where there are some very good players like Ivica Olic from Bayern Munich.
"There are five or six good strikers so it is difficult to be in the starting XI but if you play for 90 minutes or 10 minutes it is important you play with passion."
Jelavic admits that the mere chance of playing in a major finals is a huge incentive for any player.
And he also reckons people in Scotland will pay special attention to what the Croatians do ahead of the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
He added: "It is my first big competition and every player dreams of playing in a World Cup or a European Championship and for me that dream has come true.
"Fans will be watching us in the summer because of the qualifiers and it will be interesting to play against Scotland."