New Delhi: The Gods certainly seem to be smiling on Indian football lately. On the back of India's successful qualification for the Asian Cup 2011, after a gap of more than two decades, and the recent signing of Indian international striker Sunil Chettri by Kansas City Wizards, there is more good news awaiting Indian football. Indian international stopper back and last season's Defender of the Year Gouramangi Singh could become the second Indian player from the current squad and only the fourth Indian player in history to ply his trade abroad.
His trial with A-League club Melbourne Heart was confirmed by the player's Melbourne-based manager Lyndon Miranda.
"It is with great pleasure that I would like to confirm to Indian football fans across the globe that Melbourne Heart FC, a Melbourne based A-League club are keen on inviting Gouramangi Singh for a two-week trial from the 7th of June till the 19th of June 2010 and the same has been duly accepted by Gouramangi Singh. If he makes it through the trial, Gouramangi would go on to be the first Indian to ply his trade on Australian soil. I am extremely excited about this prospect," said Lyndon Miranda.
Gouramangi Singh was ecstatic about the prospects of playing in Australia, whose team is a rising power in world football.
"I would first like to thank God for giving me this great opportunity to showcase my skills abroad. It's every players dream to ply his trade at a higher level, and mine is no different. But it's not always that one gets fortunate enough to land a trial and I intend to grab this opportunity and prove myself to the club. I would like to thank all my fans across the country that have supported me over the years and I hope I repay their faith in me by excelling at the trials," said Singh.
"The invitation to try out for the club was a bolt from the blue and least expected, I had to pinch myself really hard to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I now look forward to impressing the club coach. I am quite thrilled about the prospect of playing alongside Simon Colosimo and John Aloisi, both Australian internationals who are part of the team. I would also like to thank the national team coach Mr. Bob Houghton for instilling in me the self belief that I can achieve it all and without his pivotal role in my career, none of this would have been possible," he added.
When contacted Bob Houghton expresses his delight at the possibility of an A-League affair for Gouramangi.
"This is certainly great news for Indian football and it's great to see foreign clubs interested in Indian players. Gouramangi has certainly deserved this trial as he has worked very hard over the last few years and is now one of the central players in the team. His absence will certainly be missed for the Asian Cup camp, but I would like to wish him all the best for his upcoming trial,” said Gouramangi.
Melbourne Heart FC is an Australian professional football club based in Melbourne, Victoria. The club was formed in 2008, and was awarded an A-League license in 2009 to compete in the 2010-2011season of the A-League.
Melbourne Heart FC is coached by Dutch international John van't Schip, assisted by former Manchester United and Denmark international winger Jesper Olsen and ex-Socceroo striker Ante Milicic.
What is most interesting is that Australia and India have both been drawn in the same group for the upcoming Asian Cup 2011.
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