Thaindian News

Doha, Jan 9 (IANS) Injured football captain Bhaichung Butia will not be available for India’s opening match in the AFC Asian Cup, but he was confident his team mates won’t be intimidated when they face the mighty Australians at the Al Sadd Stadium here Monday.”We can’t look back. This is the only way we can move ahead in international football. For us it is like a dream come true. We never thought of playing against World Cup stars and now when we are up against them, we should try to enjoy the game and give our best,” Bhutia told IANS.

Bhutia, who is down with a calf muscle injury, feels that the absence of forward Sushil Singh, who was replaced in the squad by Mohammad Rafi, will be a huge blow for the team. Suhsil was dropped Sunday after the tournament committee informed the team management that the forward is ineligible as he was slapped with a two-match ban by the disciplinary committee of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

“Sushil has been in a great form and I feel his absence is a big blow for the team. He was an experienced guy would have been a great help for the tea. Rafi has also done well in the I-League and will play upfront with Sunil (Chettri),” said Bhutia.

Bhutia believes that the performance in the Asian Cup would boost the sport in the country.

“Today there is some interest in the national team since it has qualified for the Asian Cup after 27 years. I hope we play the tournament regularly in the future as well,” he said

Bhutia is desperately trying to get fit for the last two matches against Bahrain (Jan 14) and South Korea (Jan 18).

“I am trying hard to get fit for the next two matches. Missing the match against Australia is tough for me as I have always dreamt of playing against Tim Cahills. But I will try to play the last two matches and give my best for the team,” he said.