Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) India striker Sunil Chettri was disappointed after trials with Scottish football giants Rangers and said he and compatriot Jeje Lalapeklua hardly got an opportunity to train with the first team during their six-day stint at Murray Park.

Rangers, however, said they will be closely monitoring the performances of the Indian duo, who returned home Friday morning. They missed the team’s practice at the Ambedkar Stadium here but will playing in India’s opening game in the SAFF Cup against Afghanistan, Saturday.

Chettri, who also had brief stint with MLS team Sporting Kansas City, was unhappy with the stint.

“On the first day we came here they were preparing for a match the day after, so we couldn’t train. The second day was the match. The third day they had to rest after the match. On the fourth day they left for Hamburg and we couldn’t go. It was a bit disappointing,” Chettri was quoted as saying in the Scottish media.

“But this was the only week we had a break in our league. It was the only chance I had to come and have a trial. I’m just disappointed I didn’t get much time with the first team. Even the gaffer didn’t get much time to see us,” Chhetri said.

“If given a chance, Jeje and I would love to come back. In the summer hopefully. It is a huge club with a huge history, we’d love be a part of it.”

During the trials they players were closely watched by Rangers’ manager Ally McCoist and his assistant Kenny McDowall.

McCoist said that the club will continue to monitor the Indian stars in the I-League.

“Sunil and Jeje did fine and showed up well in training. They showed some lovely touches and adapted to the different surroundings they experienced,” McCoist said in a statement on the club’s website.

“They are away back home today but we will keep monitoring their performances back home. They will continue to play for their sides in India and it was great to have them both working with us as they are talented boys. It was a good experience for them and I think they certainly enjoyed it. We enjoyed having them here too. I watched them playing in the match yesterday and it was a really enjoyable game. They did absolutely fine,” he said.