Baichung to join Indian camp from tomorrow for Saudi tie

Kolkata, Aug 6 (UNI) Baichung Bhutia will join the national camp tomorrow for the Asia Cup qualifiers' match against Saudi Arabia on August 16.

The decision comes after the star player talked to coach Bob Houghton over phone today. This will only strengthen the Indian squad ahead of their tough assignment against the West-Asian side.

Talking to UNI, Baichung said, ''I had a talk with the coach and he asked me if I would like to join the squad and I said I would like to play for India again.'' ''So I am joining the camp. he welcomed me into the side,'' Baichung said.

''I always love to play for India and it is only too good that I am joining the side. I am waiting for tomorrow,'' an excited Baichung said.

Houghton had earlier said he would speak to Baichung today to decide whether the former Indian Captain will join the camp.

Clarifying his position regarding the sniper from Tinkitum, 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 took 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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