Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) Former India coach Bob Houghton feels it will be tough for Indian strikers Sunil Chettri and Jeje Lalpekhlua to impress the coaches at Scottish giants Rangers.

The duo are on trial with Rangers and trained with the team under wet and windy conditions for the first time Saturday and were closely watched by manager Ally McCoist in Milngavie.

The strikers could play in Wednesday’s friendly in Hamburg but it is uncertain if the necessary clearance will be secured.

Houghton, who was in charge of India for five years, said the heights of the two players could be an impediment.

“Jeje is someone who broke into the national team just when my time was coming to an end. He is young so the transition will be much harder for him. He is one for the future. Out of the two, Sunil is the one who has the better chance of getting a deal. He brings with him international experience. Both are short in height but there have been good small players in Scotland. It will not be easy,” Houghton, who took Swedish side Malmo to the 1979 European Cup final, was quoted as saying by BBC.

Houghton said he was disappointed to see Sunil failing in his earlier attempts to break into British clubs. Chettri also had a brief stint with Kansas City Wizards in the MLS.

“This isn’t the first time Sunil is coming to the UK in order to earn a deal. It was a real shame things did not work out for him (Sunil) at QPR and Coventry due to issues like work permits and visas. He is a very talented player,” he said.

The Englishman feels it could take 10 years to see an Indian playing in European leagues.

“In terms of development, the Indian players are behind the Chinese or those in the Far or Middle East. It could take a decade before you begin to see Indian footballers coming over to Europe on a regular basis. There is a big difference coming to play in England or Scotland from India but I wish them all the best,” he said.