It was not known whether Bhutia was cleared to start the second friendly, an away against Hearts in Scotland.

According to a report, Bhutia and his Indian agent looked lost at the club's training grounds yesterday.

Bhutia's name is yet to figure on the team squad put up at the club's official Internet site. He, however, found a mention in the Fulham Independent, an unofficial message board initiated by the club's fans.

While the chief issue for discussion in the Independent was whether Arsenal's Stephen Hughes or Aston Villa's Stan Collymore will join Fulham -- Collymore eventually did -- one fan responded to Bhutia's selection with diplomacy: ``It's jumping the gun by a long way,but if ever he did make it into the first team, he would certainly attract some new support (and the reverse).''

Meanwhile, another Asian is treading Bhutia's path. Thailand captain Kiattisak Senamuang has failed in his attempt to become the first Thai to play in the English premier league. Senamuang was released by Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson after a two-week trial. However, he has been offered a trial with first division side Huddersfield Town.