Defender Subhasish to captain India in SAFF opener

India football team coach Stephen Constantine on Monday said young defender Subhasish Bose will don the captain's armband in India's SAFF Cup opener against Sri Lanka at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday.

"Subhasish has been very impressive in the recent camps. In the first few days, he had to work a lot and being a fighter, he has made a strong comeback. I'm very proud of him and obviously, it's going to be a very special moment for him," Constantine said in a statement.

On being asked whether the defending champions will start as the favourites, the 55-year-old coach quashed it completely.

"I have always looked to this opportunity to provide some international experience to the youngsters and that's why we have come with an U-23 squad. Obviously, we have come to win the tournament as we have always done. We have a fair chance of getting the job done but I won't say that we're going to start as favourites," he said.

"The whole squad is eagerly waiting to get the ball rolling and I would like to say that every single member of the team is eagerly waiting. Everyone will be up for the games against us and it'll be a great experience," he said.

India have been clubbed with Sri Lanka and one-time champions Maldives (2008) in Group B, whereas hosts Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan are the teams in Group A.

India have arrived in Dhaka fresh from a preparatory Camp since July 28, 2018 in Delhi and then a 17-day preparatory camp in Sydney where they played three friendly fixtures against APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC, Sydney FC and Rydalmere Lions FC.

On being asked how the camp helped the boys prepare for the championship, Constantine stated: "The three games in Australia have been terrific practice for us. The game against Sydney FC, that too against their first squad has been a great lesson for us. We got a few positive feedbacks from Australia and those are going to be pretty helpful for us in the coming days."

Subhasish, who caught the imagination, thanks to his swashbuckling show off late, described that it's a 'dream-come-true' moment for him.

"It's a dream-come-true situation for me to lead the national team. I'd like to thank our coach for his trust in me and I'd give my best to make the best of my opportunity," he stated.

--IANS

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