NIKOLA Kalinic admits he is in the dark as to why he has been frozen out at Blackburn Rovers – but insists he still believes he can be a success at Ewood Park.

The Croatian striker has not featured in the last four Premier League games, including being left out of the squad entirely over the last fortnight, and is now seeking answers over his future.

Kalinic’s agent told the Lancashire Telegraph last week the striker was disappointed to have been left in the cold in recent weeks, suggesting he would look for a summer move if the situation continued.

Now, ahead of Saturday’s crucial trip to Everton, Kalinic has confirmed his discontent but was adamant his aim was still to prove a success in East Lancashire.

The 23-year-old has struggled for a regular run in the side ever since signing for Rovers from Hajduk Split for £6million in 2009, despite impressing for Croatia this season.

“I still have a contract for the next two years but, yes, if nothing changes before the summer, then I will have to find a new club,” he told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.

“I don’t know anything about me being transfer listed, but, nobody has transfer listed me. The only truth is that I’m unhappy with my status.

“Why? Well, because I’m not playing, but I still believe in myself and I’m sure that I will soon be in the first XI again.

“I would just be happy if somebody would tell me why I have been pushed aside since my return from national team action.”

Kalinic has scored seven goals in 42 Premier League appearances and is the club’s leading league scorer this season with five goals.

His exclusion over the last few weeks has alerted several clubs from abroad about his potential availability, although Rovers would be unlikely to recoup the transfer fee paid out for him just two years ago.

Both the club and the player have denied speculation he has been told he can leave this summer, with manager Steve Kean insisting the striker is still in his long term plans.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph late last week: “There is no situation with Niko at all. He is under contract and is in the squad but we feel as though others are bringing different aspects to the team at the moment.

“Benjani has been looking very sharp and extremely dangerous in training and that has just given him the edge over Nikola Kalinic as far as a place on the substitutes was concerned.

“There has been no fall-out though and there is no problem. You are always going to get this speculation when you have your squad almost fully fit because there will always be someone left disappointed.

“Niko is very much part of our plans still. We find there is speculation about his future when he returns from international duty but that is natural.”