Melbourne Heart FC’s recruitment campaign has moved to the sub-continent with Indian international Gouramangi Singh set to spend two weeks with the club with a view to a long-term deal.
Melbourne Heart FC-s recruitment campaign has moved to the sub-continent with Indian international Gouramangi Singh set to spend two weeks with the club with a view to a long-term deal.
Singh will link up with Heart throughout June, taking part in the side-s pre-season drive as preparations continue for its Hyundai A-League debut.
A central defender, Singh played a pivotal role in India-s victorious 2008 AFC Challenge Cup campaign, helping the unfancied side secure direct qualification to next year-s Asian Cup in Qatar where they have been grouped with the Qantas Socceroos.
Earning 21 caps at international level to date, the 24-year-old is highly regarded by the Indian football fraternity, clinching the ‘Best Defender- award as he helped lead Churchill Brothers SC to the 2008/09 I-League crown and qualification for the preliminary phase of the 2010 AFC Champions League.
Head Coach John van ‘t Schip revealed he is looking forward to having the opportunity to gain an insight into Singh-s potential to adapt to the rigours of the Australian game.
“Indian football is very much an unknown quantity, but I am confident Gouramangi has the potential to make an impression here in Melbourne,” he said.
“Despite his age, he is already an accomplished international footballer, having played in a number of important matches for India, including World Cup qualifiers.
“The club will have a close look at his ability, and determine whether he is both capable of making the transition to the Hyundai A-League and playing the football we want to play.”
Melbourne Heart FC Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn believes the move is an important first step in building closer ties between Australian and Indian football.
“India has a long history of getting behind its sportspeople. If Melbourne Heart FC or the Hyundai A-League can assist in developing the profile and quality of Indian football and Indian footballers, there are obvious benefits to football in the Asian confederation,” he said.
“We worked closely with organisations such as FIFPro Asia to identify players who have the qualities to succeed as professional footballers. We are glad we are in a position to give Gouramangi the opportunity to work with international level coaches, such as John van -t Schip, and international players on a daily basis.”
With the countdown to the club-s competition debut well underway, Melbourne Heart FC invites you to register for priority access and become a member at the Hyundai A-League-s newest football club.
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