Sakeer disappointed not making India Under-23 squad

Sunday, 01. November 2009 - P.S. Parameswaran

Viva Kerala captain M.P. Sakeer is disappointed after he was not included in the probable list for the India Under-23 team for the 2009 SAFF Cup and 2010 AFC Challenge Cup.

The midfielder was expecting a call after impressive performances in the second division and in the I-League thus far.

"I was expecting a call and was disappointed when my name was missing in the list," he said to IndianFootball.Com. The 23 year old was in fine touch in the 2nd Division I- League as his performance was a key factor in ensuring Viva Kerala's passage to the top division. At the start of I-League he bagged a "Man of the Match" award against Chirag United SC and had a part in the two goals scored on Thursday against Sporting Clube de Goa.

Sakeer's performances have been so good that top clubs like Churchill Brothers, Chirag United, etc are interested to get the signature of the player for the next season.

He represented Kerala in the Santosh Trophy this year and was adjudged the best player in 15th edition of the M. Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21 Nationals) held in Bihar.

Also the naming of Sabeeth C.S. in the squad surprised many as the former India under-19 striker has been injured and is expected to be fully fit only next year. Sakeer expects a call-up if the AIFF decides to replace Sabeeth amongst the probables.