Asian footballers

The facts currently speak for themselves. City's new loan signing Harpal Singh is the only English-born Asian professional footballer in the Football League.
According to current estimates the Asian community makes up 6% of the UK population. Just as many Asian youngsters are playing football and dream of playing at the top as their peers. So just why aren't more making the grade?
Harpal, a left winger from Leeds United who was capped at under-18 level by England, was once described as "Leeds' very own Michael Owen" by former Elland Road boss George Graham. In a loan spell with Bury earlier this season he scored six times in 15 games.
Harpal is understandably reluctant to cast himself as a role model, but says: "My aim is to make it at the highest level possible. If I do make it in the Premier League then hopefully other Asians can look at me and see there are opportunities out there. They could follow in my footsteps.
"Unfortunately other Asians do seem to want to play in their own leagues rather than venture elsewhere. It is unfortunate but hopefully it is a barrier we can break down."
These comments are echoed by former Bradford City and Rotherham United winger Chris Dolby, born in Dewsbury, who was the last player from an Asian background to play professionally, until injury temporarily set back his career.
He says: "There are a lot of people talking about the problem but very little seems to be being done.
"It is a two way thing though. Clubs seem to be holding back a little bit but Asian families still don't see football as a legitimate career choice with the result that kids don't get the support they might otherwise enjoy.
"And as many players also play in their own leagues they rarely come to the attention of scouts."
One reason Asian players are forming their own leagues is the record number of racist-motivated attacks that have been reported in local leagues.
Chris, who was adopted by English parents, said: "If an Asian player made it in in the Premiership that would put the game in the shop window within the community."
There are signs that change is slowly starting to come. In addition to Harpal, Newcastle United youngster Michael Shopra and Derby County's Amrit Sidhu have both been capped at youth level by England.
Several clubs are now setting up initiatives to untap the hidden talent that lies on their doorstep. But, despite the strides being taken, initiatives to attract Asian youngsters to the game are currently piecemeal at best. At present it is up to each club to make up it's own mind whether to set up specific projects.
Chris Dolby continues: "What we should be looking at is the footballing authorities getting together and appointing someone to go into the Asian commnuity and selling the sport to them."
After all, the rewards will not only be great for the communities themselves but for the whole of football. If any example is needed the success of a multi-ethnic French side at the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships shows what can be achieved.
The last word must go to former West Bromwich Albion right back Brendan Batson, who was one of the first generation of black players to break into the professional game and is now deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers association.
Brendan said: "Over 20 years ago black players of my generation had to overcome a great deal of prejudice and outright racism to play professional football. The game now needs to take the issue of the lack of asians in football very seriously and address the problems raised.
"I would say to Asian youngsters don't be discouraged, keep working away and your chance will come."