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'I am not a super sub' - East Bengal's Andrew Barisic
20-Mar-2013 8:30:00 AM
The Aussie striker netted a vital equaliser for his team against Mohun Bagan and is hoping for a start in the IFA Shield final against Prayag United.
For a newcomer into a team, there is no better way into the fan's hearts when you score against a bitter rival. Michael Owen did that when he scored an injury time winner against Manchester City in 2009. Andrew Barisic of East Bengal did something similar when he announced himself to the fans when he scored a peach of a goal against Mohun Bagan in the semi-finals of the IFA Shield on Sunday.The Red and Gold went on to win the match on penalties. The Australian is now pushing for a start against Prayag United in the final of the tournament to be played today.
"No I am not a super sub. I want to get as many starts as possible. This is my first season with East Bengal. And I want to make a mark. I want to score goals whenever I get a chance," Barisic said to The Telegraph after a practice session on Tuesday.
With first choice striker Chidi Edeh in no mood to relinquish his spot on the team easily, Barisic knows it is a tough task.
"I have no issues. (Edeh) Chidi is doing a wonderful job. He is scoring goals regularly," said the 26-year old.
The former Melbourne Knights player emphasized the need to remain focussed on the final after their famous win over Bagan.
"If we lose the final nobody will talk about the win over Bagan. So we have to ensure that that there is no slip-up," stressed the striker.
Coach Trevor Morgan echoed his striker's opinion and reminded everyone that different things were at stake despite the Red and Gold having faced Prayag United SC in the I-League.
East Bengal had won against Eelco Schattorie's team during the group stages of the IFA Shield in Siliguri. But Morgan said that would have no bearing on the final.
“They are a very compact side. Carlos (Hernandez) and Ranti (Martins) will pose trouble for us,” he said.
Prayag United’s talisman Carlos Hernandez too called for his team to not underestimate their opponents. “We cannot afford to lose concentration. They are a set team with very good players. We will be punished if we are lax,” said the Costa Rican international.
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