DPMM Ivan out for months

DPMM Brunei Croatian forward Ivan Bosnjak is out of action for at least one month if not longer, according to Brunei Times.

The 34-year-old have to undergo surgery after fracturing the bones around his ear and eye during Friday night's 3-3 draw against Hougang United.

The 2006 World Cup-playing Croatian striker had played on through the pain and emerged with a bandaged head in the second half of the match

"I still don't remember even one minute of the game," he said.

"I was told we missed two penalties, and I missed one, but I don't remember anything.

"We're still not sure where should I go for surgery. I think Singapore, but we'll decide in the next few days," added Bosnjak, who has 14 caps and one international goal to his name.

No one is more worried about Bosnjak's injury than Simunic, who blames himself for allowing him to play despite knowing that he had a fracture.

The two have a long history together, with Bosnjak starting his career in 1997 at Croatian side Cibalia under Simunic's guidance.

"I feel horrible, I haven't slept all night," said Simunic.

"I should have ignored Ivan's big desire to continue the game in the second half. It was a horrible kick and we saw a fracture on his face, but he begged me to play.

"It was difficult to say no... I remember during my playing days as a goalkeeper, I risked my life to play, took injections to play... Bosnjak is the same.

"He is crazy brave. This was his first (home) game for DPMM FC and he risked his life.

"Now his face is not the same... I'm not sure who did it but it was one of Hougang's three last men.... I will have to watch the replays.

"Salleh (defender Pg Sallehuddin Pg Hj Damit) also got many knocks, but this is football I'm not complaining.

"Football nowadays is like war, not about technique. Hougang are not the same team as they were under Bacina (former coach Nenad Bacina).

"They play aggressive football and are a better team than last year, but I expected a game like this and I respect Hougang," added last season's S-League Coach of the Yea r.