Real Kashmir coach says isolation doesn't help players' cause

Scotsman David Robertson, who guided Real Kashmir FC to the top-flight of Indian football in an extraordinary season, says "isolation" is coming in the way of the valley's talented players getting recognition.

The former Rangers FC star said the talented players in Kashmir are at par with the ones he has coached in clubs of Europe and USA.

"Having played and coached at the highest level in Europe and in the USA, I can confidently state that Kashmir has the talent equally as good if not better than the aforementioned continents. The sad and tough part for me is trying to get these senior and youth players noticed as they are isolated over here," Roberston said.

The club from Jammu & Kashmir will be the first ever from the state to play in the I-League next year.

"In my opinion Kashmir needed a presence in the I-League and it has got one now. I now believe that children and youth will have the ambition to play professional football. It is a must.

"We took out the senior team out to Scotland to play four games against professional teams and we competed well. The team did so well that we have been invited back to play against them anytime we like in the future.

"There is such a great talent pool here in Kashmir that we need to focus on at a young age."