Along with Igor Stimac, Simic is the most experienced of Croatia's back line and has been a mainstay of the national side since making his debut against South Korea back in 1996.

He joined Serie A side Inter for the start of the 2001/2002 season from Croatia Zagreb but has found his club appearances often limited.

Simic has happy memories of the World Cup after an oustanding string of performances at France 98.

His man-marking ability is arguably his strongest asset.

Only Bosko Balaban and Robert Jarni were capped more times in Croatia's World Cup qualifying campaign.