US-based Ranvir Singh joins Indian football camp

Phagwara-born Ranvir Singh, who migrated to the United States in 1996, joined the probables in the Indian football camp, in preparation for the World Cup qualifier, which commenced at Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Friday.

Ranvir is the second player of Indian origin from the United States' 'A' league after Ebbie Kodiattu to be called to the Indian camp by coach Stephen Constantine. Kuwait-born Kodiattu was in the camp for the World Cup qualifier against Singapore but failed to make the team.

India plays its crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan at Saitama (Japan) on June 9.

The 24-year-old Ranvir earlier played for Brazilian third division side Matsubara Football Club before moving over to United States first division club Diriangen.

"I started playing football on the varsity soccer team at Berkeley high school in 1996 and continued playing there until graduation in 1998. During my high school career I scored 27 goals and attended a two-week trial with New York Metro stars (major league soccer) before coming here [to India]," informed Ranvir.

India's ace star striker Baichung Bhutia along with Sangram Mukherjee, Mahesh Gawali, Dipak Mondal, Debjit Ghosh, Subash Chakraborthy and Bijen Singh will join the probables on Saturday.