By IANS,
New Delhi: India goalkeeper Subrata Paul is worried about his nagging groin injury ahead of his trials with second division Major League Soccer (MLS) team Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Canada.
The Pune FC custodian suffered the injury during an I-League match against Mumbai FC and wants to get fit before he goes to Canada later this week for a 10-day trial.
“My injury is worrisome, can’t think of anything now. I want to get fully fit before I reach Vancouver. I don’t want to mess up a big opportunity,” Paul told IANS.
Paul hopes that Chhetri going to Kansas and his trip to Vancouver would open up opportunities for other Indian footballers.
Chettri has been signed up by first division club Kansas City Wizards and if Paul gets the nod from Vancouver Whitecaps FC he, too, will be joining his India team mate as the club has moved up from second division this season.
Former India goalkeeper Debashish Mukherjee, who has been a long time coach of Paul, feels that the youngster from Kolkata suburb Sodepur can really make it big in the American league.
“Goalkeeping has been India’s strong point and that is an area where I think our players can really make an impact. Subrata has been in fine form in the last couple of years, especially at the international level,” said Mukherjee.
He said Paul can match the fitness level required for MLS.
“His fitness levels are really good, but there is scope for improvement. If he works hard on it, he can easily be one of the best in MLS. But first he should cross the first hurdle of creating an impact on the Whitecaps officials. I strongly feel that he has it in him to come good,” he said.