FLATTERED: Ben Kantarovski.
JETS midfielder Ben Kantarovski admitted it was nice to receive some recognition but ruled out the possibility of switching allegiance to play for Macedonia.
Macedonian coach Bosko Djurovski approached Kantarovski through his management last week to inquire if the playmaker was interested in following his heritage.
Kantarovski was born and bred in Newcastle but qualifies for Macedonia through his parents.
The 21-year-old captained the Young Socceroos at the under-20 World Cup and has also represented Australia at under-17 and under-23 level.
However, because he has not played for the Socceroos he remains eligible to make the switch.
"It is good to be recognised for playing some good football, but I was born in Australia, have captained some Australian teams and would one day like to play for the Socceroos," he said.
"That is my ultimate aim."
Macedonia missed qualification for the World Cup in Brazil, but with European Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Djurovski is understood to be looking to rejuvenate the squad.
It is not the first time Kantarovski has been sounded out and senior international experience could improve his chances of a move to Europe.
"As I said I'm proud of my heritage but my focus is Australia," Kantarovski said.
"I just have to keep working hard and playing well."
A more pressing matter is Kantarovski's knee.
He was replaced in the 61st minute in the 3-1 loss to the Heart after twisting awkwardly making a challenge and crashing to the ground clutching at his right leg.
It is the same knee that Kantarovski had reconstructive surgery on in 2011, and follow-up surgery last season.
However, Jets physiotherapist Rob Dingle is confident the latest setback is not major.
"It's not his cruciate ligament, that's fine," Dingle said.
"He might have a little tear in his medial meniscus. We will see how it settles over the next couple of days. Worst case he might need a little arthroscope but hopefully it settles down."
Regardless, Kantarovski will miss the local derby with the Mariners at BlueTongue Stadium on Saturday on suspension after he picked up a fifth yellow card of the season.
