Dubai: Team India striker Sunil Chhetri has backed the new brigade to deliver and take Indian football to the next level.
"Our youngsters are ready for the challenge, and we will get the right idea on their potential when we play the UAE later this month," Chhetri has been quoted in an interview on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website.
Chhetri has been burdened by expectations upfront. The star striker, who now has a new partner in Jeje Lalpeklua feels national team coach Armando Colaco has chosen the right set of players for the national camp preparing for their double-leg Asian qualifier for the 2014 Fifa World Cup against the UAE on July 23 and 28.
"When I first came to the national team, Bhaichung [Bhutia] helped and guided me a long way and it helped me to mature fast. I feel Jeje is already a mature guy. He has a physical presence and can hold the ball which enables me to make my runs. His shielding of the ball is excellent and that makes my job easier," Chhetri observed.
Already arrived
"Honestly, I don't feel they are juniors at all. If you play them in the first eleven, it won't make much of a difference. I feel they have already arrived. Jewel [Raja], Shilton [D'Silva], Raju [Gaikwad], Jeje [Lalpeklua], Dika [Lalrindika Ralte] are a conglomeration of unique talent and the right attitude. And when you have such a pool, it makes the job of the coach all the more easier. But at the same time, he [the coach] has a pleasant headache of having a surplus of choices," Chhetri added.
