|
|
Cardiff City forward Michael Chopra in talks to play for India
26-year-old has played for England at seven age groups
15 Nov 2010 16:47:00
By John Elmes
Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra has flown out to Dubai for talks about playing international football for India.
The 26-year-old scored for the Championship side in their 4-2 win over Scunthorpe at the weekend, before jetting off to the sunnier climes of the Middle East where India are in training for a midweek game against Kuwait.
Despite the former Newcastle and Sunderland player representing England at every level from under-15 to under-21, Chopra qualifies for India under Fifa rules because he has Indian-born grandparents.
The Newcastle-born player is noted for his pride at his Asian roots, and has had talks with the India coach Bobby Houghton over the weekend. He will remain in Dubai to watch the team take on Kuwait before hurrying back in time for Cardiff’s home game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Houghton, who played for Fulham and Brighton, before taking Malmo to the European Cup final in 1979, wants Chopra to represent India in the Asian Cup in January 2011.
The possibility of Chopra donning the blue strip of India is still a long way off however, as domestic regulations stipulate only Indian citizens can play for the country. Although he fulfils Fifa’s requirements, Houghton will have to convince the Indian FA to allow him to play.
If he were to play for the team, he would face up to an Asian Cup group containing World Cup Finals qualifiers South Korea and Australia, with Bahrain making up the numbers.
The 26-year-old scored for the Championship side in their 4-2 win over Scunthorpe at the weekend, before jetting off to the sunnier climes of the Middle East where India are in training for a midweek game against Kuwait.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Despite the former Newcastle and Sunderland player representing England at every level from under-15 to under-21, Chopra qualifies for India under Fifa rules because he has Indian-born grandparents.
The Newcastle-born player is noted for his pride at his Asian roots, and has had talks with the India coach Bobby Houghton over the weekend. He will remain in Dubai to watch the team take on Kuwait before hurrying back in time for Cardiff’s home game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Houghton, who played for Fulham and Brighton, before taking Malmo to the European Cup final in 1979, wants Chopra to represent India in the Asian Cup in January 2011.
The possibility of Chopra donning the blue strip of India is still a long way off however, as domestic regulations stipulate only Indian citizens can play for the country. Although he fulfils Fifa’s requirements, Houghton will have to convince the Indian FA to allow him to play.
If he were to play for the team, he would face up to an Asian Cup group containing World Cup Finals qualifiers South Korea and Australia, with Bahrain making up the numbers.
Our 
provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!
provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Hungary - Republic of Ireland Preview
Veteran Italian coach takes his Irish side to Újpest in Hungary for their last warm-up match before their highly-anticipated Euro 2012 opener against Group C rivals Croatia
