Happy home coming for Delhi’s Robin Singh

At 22, life has come a full circle for East Bengal striker Robin Singh. Two years ago, Singh in an attempt to raise his game, had shifted to Kolkata as his hometown Delhi did not offer him any valuable prospects. The move to East Bengal bore fruit and in all probablity, he might kick off his international career right in his hometown. After spending two years with the Kolkata based club, the striker has got a break, and was named in the list of India probables for the Nehru Cup, scheduled to take place later in New Delhi.

"Obviously I am happy to be named as one of the probables, but if you ask me to sum up the entire feeling in one sentence, I would say that my hard work is finally paying off," Singh told Sportline. Earlier, Singh represented India at the U-23 level. "It will be my first chance to represent the senior side and the experience will be treasured because previously I have only played for 20 minutes in the U-23 event," he recalled.

Having played 38 matches for his club East Bengal, Singh believes that his stint there has strengthened him for the days with the senior side. Considered one of the up and coming strikers, his club figures though — five goals in 38 outings — do not do justice to his game play.

But Singh says they are a testament to his maturing ways and 'team first' attitude. "When I started playing football, I had a very limited knowledge about how a striker should play but in these two years I have matured a lot playing against some of the great football clubs. The way East Bengal coaches have groomed me has been commendable," Singh added.

The striker, though, will have big boots to fill. Regular India forward Sunil Chhetri has opted to regain fitness rather than be a part of the India set-up without having fully recovered, and so Singh might well have to share India's attack with Jeje Lalpekhlua. "To know that I might be replacing Sunil Chhetri is a huge morale boost and similarly a big responsibility. He has done wonderfully well for India. I don't know if I'll be given a chance to play but if I do, I know I will have to churn out at double my capability," Singh said.

... contd.

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