PANAJI
FC Goa’s Dheeraj Singh and Princeton Rebello are excited by the prospect of representing India at the forthcoming qualifiers for the AFC U23 Asian Cup.
The two have reunited with some old national team-mates in the U23 camp in Dubai. The camp for the qualifiers comprises 20 players who have been part of Indian Arrows, and a total of 18 players who have been part of the AIFF Academy set-up some time or the other.
"Everyone waits to meet their childhood friends once again - don't they? We have all been friends or brothers for a long. Life is always good when you are surrounded by friends. The exceptional part among us is that there is no rivalry ever between any of us. The new boys have also experienced it," said FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj.
"Everyone is excited and looking forward to use this opportunity to perform well in the qualifiers. We are having a great environment inside the team. And we have got good new players adding up quality to the team," added the custodian, who had earned plaudits for his performance under the FC Goa bar in the AFC Champions League.
Dheeraj’s team-mate at FC Goa, midfielder Princeton, is also relishing the opportunity to be among the nation’s best at the U23 level. The 22-year-old wasn't a part of the U-17 World Cup squad but has learned the ropes in the Academy system for the U19 national team, and also the Indian Arrows.
The Goan said that he is “honoured” to wear the national colours again. "It feels great to be back with the squad. It's an honour for me to wear the national colours again. I will give my everything, and everyone is motivated to do well," said Rebello.
India will play Oman in their first match of the qualifiers of the AFC U23 Asian Cup on October 24 which will be followed by matches against UAE and Kyrgyz Republic respectively.
