Serbia boss reveals he 'planned for Vanja Dragojevic to play' against Netherlands
Rangers midfielder Vanja Dragojevic was due to make his first Serbia appearance of the recent international break against the Netherlands, with manager Veljko Paunovic revealing he had planned to hand the Ibrox youngster minutes in Eindhoven.
Dragojevic was included in Serbia's squad for the Nations League clash but remained an unused substitute, as he has done throughout the break, as Paunovic's side suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands.
The decision will have been frustrating for the twice-capped Rangers midfielder, who now returns to Ibrox having not made a single appearance in the current Nations League campaign.
Serbia boss explains Dragojevic omission
However, Paunovic has now provided an important explanation, confirming that Dragojevic was part of his plans before circumstances forced him to make changes.
"I have in mind some other young players, but also those from this group who can get opportunities," the 49-year-old coach said.
"I planned for Vanja Dragojevic to play; however, some situations happened to us, and we had to modify differently. Likewise, some other guys who could have played more."
Rather than suggesting the Rangers midfielder had simply been overlooked, Paunovic's words indicate that he was actively considering introducing him against one of Europe's strongest nations.
Serbia fall to Dutch defeat
Serbia ultimately had to alter their plans during the match, with the coach using his substitutions differently as the game developed.
The Serbian boss was particularly pleased with the performances of young players Mihajlo Cvetkovic and Stefan Gudelj, who both started at the Philips Stadion.
Cvetkovic scored Serbia's equaliser, while Gudelj impressed in the centre of defence before being forced off with an injury.
Paunovic believes the Nations League is providing an important opportunity to introduce younger players to international football while maintaining the competitive level required against top opposition.
"I am very happy for Cvetkovic and for Gudelj," he said, highlighting their performances and the wider process of integrating young players into the senior side.
That process could now provide Dragojevic with further opportunities in the future.
He also stressed that his Serbia squad is still evolving and that he has other young players in mind, while insisting that the door remains open to those who were involved during the latest international window.
Dragojevic's difficult start to season
The Rangers midfielder's inclusion in those plans is particularly notable given his move to Ibrox from Partizan in July.
Dragojevic is still establishing himself at Rangers and will now return to club football having experienced another international camp with Serbia.
While the Netherlands defeat means their Nations League campaign ended without a positive result, Paunovic believes the performance offered encouragement for the future.
Kosta Nedeljkovic played three times over the window for Serbia, and will hope to return to Ibrox and challenge Dujon Sterling for the starting berth at right back.
Dragojevic has only played four minutes of football, all as a late substitute against Celtic in the 3-0 Premier Sports Cup win at Ibrox, since Jablonec knocked Derek McInnes’ side out of Europe and will be hoping for extra club minutes ahead of the next international window.
