The Pune FC custodian had also been the national team’s most consistent performer in the last three years. And he gets his reward on Sunday night, when he will lead India for the first time in a friendly tie against hosts Qatar at Al Sadd Sports Club.
“It’s just another match in the life of a footballer. But on the other hand, it’s an honour which every player dreams of — an inspiration to do better,” Paul said. “My dream to is to serve my country to the best of my abilities and as long as possible.”
Against Qatar, however, Paul has to remain extremely vigilant under the bar, as the 2006 Asian Games champions are a formidable squad, ranked 94 in the Fifa rankings, compared to India’s 147.
National coach Armando Colaco is likely to make only one change from the team that played in the 1-1 draw against Maldives in Male. Steven Dias is not fully fit and Lalrindika Ralte is expected to take his place.
Colaco is not perturbed by India’s not too encouraging display against Maldives. “A lot has to be done and achieved in three weeks of training. But I’m happy in the manner we played our first match against Maldives.
Likely first XI: Subroto Paul; Debabrata Roy, Raju Gaekwad, Gourmangi Singh and Sameer Naik; Lalrindika Ralte, Mehtab Hussain, Climax Lawrence and Syed Rahim Nabi; Jeje Lalpeklhua and Sunil Chetri.
The kick-off is slated for 9pm IST.