Particularly notable during this season was Janković's performance in an away league match against Red Star Belgrade at the Marakana when he scored 4 goals - the game ended 4–1 for Željezničar.
Red Star Belgrade manager Miljan Miljanić was ready to pay 150 million Yugoslav dinars at any time when asked about signing him for the club.
Željezničar faced Derby County in the 1972–73 European Cup first round, however lost 4–1 on aggregate, with Janković receiving a red card in the final minutes of the second leg.
At the age of 28, Janković received permission to leave Yugoslavia to play football abroad in line with the rules of the state, having completed compulsory military service.
Janković is regarded as a cult hero amongst Aston Villa fans having scored two against Ipswich Town at the end of the season, aiding them to win the title.
He made his debut for Yugoslavia on 29 April 1972 in a 0–0 European Championship qualification match against the Soviet Union having been selected by manager Vujadin Boškov.