Bilic Hammers link is 'dirty tricks' - Croatia FA

West Ham have been accused of 'dirty tricks' by Croatia for revealing their interest in Slaven Bilic in the week of the England clash.

Croatia FA president Vlatko Markovic is fuming that the Hammers have expressed a desire to take the national team coach to Upton Park as a replacement for Alan Curbishley at the same time he is preparing the Croatia squad for their World Cup qualifier against the Three Lions in Zagreb on Wednesday.

He said in the Sunday Express: "This is another dirty trick by the English. They obviously want to cause trouble for us before we play.

"It's typical of the sleaze in English football. For the story about West Ham wanting Bilic to come out now is very poor.

"We are very suspicious and unhappy as it is not the first time something like this has happened with England.

"There is no chance events at West Ham will damage us either this time."