Ross County defender Kacper Lopata determined to give 100 per cent in quest for senior Poland international call-up
Ross County defender Kacper Lopata says his desire to play for Poland is his underlying motivation every day in training – but he insists he is not worrying about an international call just yet.
The 23-year-old has made an impact since joining the Staggies on loan from Barnsley, starting all five matches.
After his debut against Aberdeen, he spoke of his desire to get regular minutes in order to push his claim for an international call-up after representing his country at under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 level.
He is yet to have a conversation with Poland boss Michał Probierz though, and while international recognition is something that fuels his desire to be better he is not worried about his standing.
“There’s not been any conversations yet,” Lopata said.
“I’ve just got to keep working. I’m not going to dwell on it, I just have to keep playing and keep playing well.
“I don't think about it everyday, but it is something that is always in the back of my mind.
“When I don’t want to do something that I should do, that always pops up. You want to play for Poland? You better do that.
“I’m sure if I keep working and keep doing all the right things, my chance will come. I think every player has got a dream, and that’s always been mine.”
Lopata was born in Krakow in Poland but moved to England when he was nine years old.
He was quickly spotted by some big clubs, playing in the youth systems of Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Along with his family, he then moved further north in England, appearing for the likes of Sheffield United while spending time out on loan at various clubs.
Having moved around so much, it could have been difficult for Lopata to feel settled off the pitch, but he says his sense of “home” is based more on the people he is around than geography.
“Credit to the people behind the scenes at Ross County for making me feel settled and welcome, me and my family,” he continued.
“Getting settled and feeling at home is very under-rated. I’m very far from home and it plays a role, but everyone has been great with me and that’s massive.
“Home is probably where my mum is now because I’ve moved around so much in my life.
“We moved all over Poland when we were younger. We moved to England and lived in Bristol, then I went to Brighton, then moved north – all over the place.
“Right now, my mum lives in Manchester and so do my older and my younger brothers. That’s where I call home, although all my grandparents are back in Poland and whenever I go back it is nice to see them.
“It is not necessarily ‘where’, but ‘with who’ – that’s how I see it.”
Lopata moved north of the border for the first time to sign for County, and made his 100th career appearance against Celtic just before the international break.
It has been a new challenge that he has thrown himself headfirst into, and he is even finding some teammates are keeping him on his toes in training.
“I enjoy playing against fast as lightning striker because it is a cat and mouse game,” Lopata added.
“Up against a target man, it’s a scrap and I do enjoy that, but the ones who are quick, like our striker Ronan Hale, I enjoy that even more because it tests me.
“He is so sharp and I’m 6ft 4ins. He’s moving all the time and I have to check my shoulders.”
