Boys need to perform consistently for selection in Asian Cup squad: Constantine

Indian football team chief coach Stephen Constantine Thursday made it clear that the SAFF Cup is a platform for talented players to impress and earn their places in the squad for the Asian Cup.

The Asian Cup will be held early next year in the UAE.

"These boys have a carrot in front of them which is a berth in the Asian Cup squad. They are well aware of the fact that they need to perform constantly to earn the same," Constantine said.

With India having secured a summit clash with Maldives in the final of the SAFF Suzuki Cup, Constantine said the "final will be a tough one".

"Maldives have shown their worth in the semi-final against Nepal. A 3-0 win against Nepal was not an easy task. Some of their players didn't play against us and they did some major damage work against Nepal," Constantine stated.

"We are expecting a tough game against Maldives. But as I said before, we have come with a strong intent to win the tournament."