'Massive statement' Portsmouth star Adrian Segecic hopes to make against Arsenal in FA Cup
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Anything can happen in the football world, especially when two teams from different tiered leagues come head-to-head. That is the beauty of the FA Cup.
Nottingham Forest learned first-hand not to underestimate the power of a lower league team on Saturday (AEDT), eliminated in the third round of the tournament by Wrexham.
Australia's Adrian Segecic is hopeful Arsenal will be the next to succumb to that story.
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Segecic is slowly learning what it takes to face world-class talent and has been making the most of his time doing so, representing Portsmouth in the EFL Championship.
The 21-year-old has not been fazed by those who have doubted whether his move to Portsmouth was the right move, given that he is small in stature compared to his teammates.
Yet, within minutes of stepping onto the pitch, he reduced the noise coming from critics.
Adrian Segecic of Portsmouth celebrates victory. Getty
While an ankle injury did sideline him for over a month this season, Segecic has managed to slot three goals into the back of the net and record one assist so far.
Portsmouth's table positioning may not be favourable for Segecic's World Cup hopes, but Tony Popovic has recognised the efforts of the young star on several occasions.
But Segecic has yet to be fielded by the Socceroos coach.
Yet that fact will not slow his spirits; instead, he is hopeful that with more minutes in major tournaments like the FA Cup, his time in the green and gold jersey will come about.
"With the World Cup, which we have qualified for, coming up, the boys want to fight for minutes and get into that squad," Segecic told Stan Sport.
"To be playing in this league and tournament, I think it is a massive place to showcase yourself. A lot of people are going to be watching back at home, across the country [of England] and around the world.
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"For us to be able to play in the Championship and the FA Cup, it is a massive chance for us Australian players to show ourselves out there on the big stage.
"The further we go in this competition, means more games and the more competition for everyone. To be able to go out there and beat Arsenal will be a massive statement.
"And what better place to do it than at Fratton Park?"
Arsenal currently sit six points clear on the Premier League table. Arsenal FC via Getty Images
As for whether Segecic believes his underdog side can come out on top, he had a simple reminder for all.
"In football, anything can happen," he continued.
"If the crowd gets behind us and the boys give it everything, anything can happen.
"It is a massive competition, and I think it is lucky for clubs like this to get an opportunity to verse you could arguably say is one of the best teams in the world right now.
"It is an opportunity for us players to compare ourselves to the best of the best ... and also for the fans to see the different levels [of football]."
Adrian Segecic signed for Portsmouth in June, 2025 following a stint with Sydney FC. Corbis via Getty Images
Previously representing Sydney FC in the A League, the step up to the Championship presented various challenges that have only benefitted Segecic's football.
The most difficult challenge for the midfielder was adapting to short turnarounds.
"I think the amount of games and the change of weather definitely takes an effect on your body," Segecic said.
"The biggest (difference) is the fact that over this past Christmas period, we've had four games in nine days. That is just unheard of in Australian football.
"The preparations are a lot different. If you have a bad result, you don't have the whole week to work on it; you have one or two days max to bounce back and play another game."
Portsmouth have had a little more time to prepare for the power of the Gunners, with John Mousinho receiving 11 days to train his team for the battle.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have had just two days between their last Premier League game and the FA Cup match.
Mikel Arteta's men will also be back up from the FA Cup with a Carabao Cup match against Chelsea on Thursday, January 15 (AEDT).
The FA Cup match between Portsmouth and Arsenal will be broadcast live on Stan Sport on Monday, January 12, from 12.50am.
