Gurpreet to train with Wigan
17 July 2012 05:49
East Bengal keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is set for a week-long training stint with Premier League side Wigan Athletic.
Speaking exclusively to Goal.com, Gurpreet gave more details about how the chance for the trip to England came about.
"Actually I met John Burridge during the derby clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan last season," Gurpreet said.
"He was immediately interested in me and told me he will help. Then he also met me in Dubai, where I had gone for the national camp and yet again met me in Oman, where he assured that he would arrange something for me."
"Then he introduced me to Ali Al-Habsi, and it was a great opportunity (training at Wigan) that he (Al-Habsi) helped me get," he said.
The tall keeper is also under no illusion that a permanent deal in England is not possible, due to India's lowly FIFA ranking, which makes getting a work permit to play there next to impossible.
"Well you know to get a work permit, we (India) need to be in top 70, so even if it was a trial, it would not be possible for me to go there (on a permanent basis), but as a training stint it’s a great opportunity," he said.
The former Indian Arrows keeper said he will leave for England on Wedenesday and return on July 24.
"My club East Bengal is happy. They know it is a good opportunity for me, as I shall get better training out there, which shall be helpful for me. When I go to England, I will be representing East Bengal and India."
Speaking more about his playing style, Gurpreet emphasised that he had a lot to improve on, in his bid to become a top class goalkeeper.
"I am still discovering myself as a keeper, so I don't know what my plus points are," he said.
"But I definitely know my weak points. I think I am a bit slow, so maybe quickness and with the ball on my feet, I could improve."
