Words: Matt Dorman

Western Pride defender Ajdin Fetahagic could be in line for Europa League football next season as the teenager chases his European dream.

The 18-year-old last week departed for Bosnia, birthplace of both his parents, to begin a trial with BH Telecom Premier League runners-up FK Zeljeznicar.

Famous for producing Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, Zeljeznicar finished second to crosstown rivals FK Sarajevo this season and will meet Maltese side Balzan FC in Europa League first round qualifying.

Fetahagic is yet to speak with coach Milomir Odovic but says the club has watched footage and are “quite happy” with his decision to trial.

“Hopefully I’m up to it because the training at Pride is really intense, really hard and I think that’s going to set me up well for this experience,” Fetahagic said.

“Obviously it’s not the strongest league but it’s definitely one other clubs and other leagues are keeping an eye on. If I can make that a pathway to a bigger tier that would be great.”

The Queensland Academy of Sport graduate still has family in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo and believes he has the tools to succeed should a contract materialise.

“I’ve been overseas once before. I was at Hertha Berlin for six weeks, then I went over to Stoke City on a sort of training contract for six months in 2012,” he said.

“Obviously my parents are from there so that helps with citizenship.

“After the war in 1993 they came down (to Australia). I was born here but I can speak the language fluently so that will also help me out.

“I’ve been there twice before in 2003 and 2009 so I’m familiar with the place as well.”

Fetahagic's hopes of signing are aided by the senior football know-how gained as a regular in PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland this season, where he has helped a youthful Western Pride to sixth place.

The Brisbane-born central-defender thanked Pride coach Karl Dodd for influencing his development and paid tribute to the competition’s role in readying him for a step-up.

“I had an opportunity to go earlier but I passed on it because I thought getting some games under my belt would help and I think I made the right choice there,” he said.

“The NPL has tightened me up a bit and I think it’s definitely getting better every year.”