Dubai: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the only Indian-born footballer currently plying his trade in Europe, says there’s no pressure to replicate Oman’s Ali Al Habsi despite hailing from similar backgrounds.
Both goalkeepers were discovered by former English Premier League (EPL) keeper and journeyman coach John Burridge, also known as Budgie, who placed the players at clubs in Norway with Norwegian keeper coach Espen Granli.
Al Habsi, 33, played three seasons with Lyn Oslo from 2003 to 2005, before gaining a work permit to play in the EPL with now second and third tier sides Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.
Sandhu, 23, made his debut in a cup match with Stabaek last month after joining the club in August, but insists he’s not the next Al Habsi.
“There’s no pressure to be the next Al Habsi but there is to become the first Singh,” he told Gulf News. “I think about it [playing in England] sometimes and it’s what I desire. I wish to do something similar. But I think for now I just want to see myself playing regularly week-in-week out in the first team.
“My career goals are to get better and play regularly and keep testing myself by jumping to higher leagues and teams. But I think I will only go when Budgie and Epsen think I’m ready, and I trust their judgement,” added Sandhu, who also had a trial under Al Habsi at Wigan in 2012.
“Budgie has been the main reason behind me coming to Norway, the day I met him changed everything. Since then it was all about Europe and he believed in me even when I didn’t. I hope I make Budgie proud by trying to achieve what Ali did. But I can only try my best.”
Sandhu said he hoped moving abroad would help him overtake Subrata Pal in goal for the India national team.
“Playing abroad has its advantages and if I get called up then well and good and if not then I will keep working hard to try and become better as that’s what I have come here to do.
“It’s always a challenge [to overtake Pal] but I think I’m ready to play and I will wait for my opportunity.”
India are currently ranked 147th in the world, but Sandhu believes that will only improve once more players follow him abroad for experience in better developed leagues.
“I want the youngsters to step out and play outside of India, that’s the only way as a nation we will develop. We would be in the top 100 then easily.
“I was too young to remember Bhaichung Bhutia going to Bury, but when Sunil Chetri went to Kansas [City Wizards] I was with the national team and always used to see him as an example.
“Frankly the ones who have been abroad tried too late in their career to break into Europe or the MLS [Major League Soccer]. The perfect time for Indian players is in their teenage years especially outfield players. At 23-years-old I consider myself old now but people say I’m young enough to go further, so I trust their judgement.”
Burridge has previously told Gulf News Sandhu has what it takes to follow Al Habsi into the EPL.
“At six foot five inches he makes Al Habsi look small,” said Burridge. “He kicks the ball from box-to-box from the floor and throws it like a spear. I first saw him play in the Kolkata derby aged 19 in front of 110,000 people. I have absolutely no doubt about him, he has the mentality to succeed and wants it desperately.”
