NIKOLA Kalinic admits he “has never worked so hard” as he bids to ensure his dream move to England sees him hit the right notes in the Premier League.

The Croatian striker is under fire from the critics in his homeland after making himself unavailable for international duty over the next few days, but the 21-year-old insists it was the right move in his desire to make an impression in the world’s best league.

Kalinic, who arrived at Blackburn Rovers for £6million from Hajduk Split in the summer, has yet to start a Premier League game, with boss Sam Allardyce claiming he is not yet physically ready.

Kalinic though is going the extra mile to get himself prepared for the challenges ahead and believes opting out of Croatian duty will be in the best interests of club and country long term.

Despite an obvious language barrier he is already feeling at home in Blackburn - having survived a club initiation that saw him belt out a Croatian song while standing on a chair in the dressing room - and now is waiting to prove his point.

He said: “I have never worked so hard in my life. A guy called Lamby (Fitness coach Adrian Lamb) runs and I have to run after him. He is like Usain Bolt, he just keeps running.

“I understand why I am not playing all the time, I have spoken with Sam Allardyce and there is no problem.

"I will be patient and will wait for my chance.

“I have made a good start at Blackburn. I am working harder than I had to in Croatia and the big difference is the work I am doing to increase my strength to get ready.

“I felt I was not ready to play for Croatia. I missed the start of the season through injury and to go to Croatia would see me miss about seven days of training that I need at the moment. I was just not ready.”

Kalinic has shown signs of promise on his brief cameos this season though, featuring in Rovers’ Carling Cup wins at Gillingham and Nottingham Forest, as well as impressing for the reserves.

While Rovers fans gear themselves up for the visit of Burnley a week on Sunday, Kalinic will continue his tireless efforts to repay Blackburn’s faith in him - admitting the passion of the fans helps to drive him on.

He said: “I have English lessons two times a week and I get set homework.

"I am always so tired after two Sam Allardyce training sessions a day that it is hard sometimes.

“I know it is important though. I will do whatever it takes to get over the period of adjustment.

"I came to England to play in the Premier League and I must jump the obstacles in front of me.

“I have to adjust and learn and then I can show what I can do on the pitch.

"I have settled in with the players, I travel to training from Manchester with a group of them.

“I don’t understand what the fans sing. But seeing them clap their hands and sing this one melody is really positive.

"I like watching and listening to them.”