Baichung always welcome, Houghton to talk today

Kolkata, Aug 6 (UNI) Indian national football caoch Bob Houghton will speak to Baichung Bhutia today to find out whether the former Indian captain will join the camp for India's Asia Cup qualifier tie against Saudi Arabia.

Clarifying his position regarding the player, Houghton said,'' I spoke to him in Delhi after I arrived here and he said he wanted some rest and if I may add, this chap deserves to get some rest after playing for the country for 12 years.'' The 58-year-old Englishman also said that he had no problem of scheduling with Baichung and he could join the camp on Tuesday if he wanted to.

''He is welcome anytime he wants to join the side. I have no ego problems or issues with him nor does he have any problem with me. He is more than welcome and is an asset to the Indian side.'' The Englishman, who has taken up the coaching assignment a month back and got reasonable success in the trip to Vancouver without Baichung, said, ''The players like him. He is a very popular member of the side and he can add a lot of value with his experience.'' Houghton also said he had watched him play in Barasat and found him brilliant.

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