'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is all set to touch new heights as his domestic club, Stabaek qualified for the Europa League, last week.
While talking to Indian Express about this new feat he said, “My chances (of making an appearance in Europe) are great as I am confident in my ability. But it all comes down to the coaches and the club.”
In Sunday’s Norwegian League match, Sandhu’s team Stabaek FC defeated IK Start with a scoreline of 3-2. Before group stages, Europa League has three selecting rounds and playoffs. With Sunday’s win, Stabaek secured the third place on points table. This in turn qualifies them for Europa League’s first-qualifying rounds. If Stabaek manages to finish second by winning the remaining match, they will qualify for Europa League’s second round.
Talking about the match, India’s goalkeeper said, “We all were on our toes as we wanted to get those three points last night. It was an unbelievable experience.” Though he has not played a match in the ongoing league so far, he might get a chance to play in the Europa League as Stabaek’s current goalkeeper Cameroonian Sayouba Mande has other plans.
The team management are pleased with Gurpreet’s performances so far. Stabaek’s manager Bob Bradley said, “(Gupreet) Singh has continued to improve and is now able to compete to be a starter in Tippeligaen (final round of the Norwegian League). Games with the second team have been important in his progress. Singh will have the opportunity in the pre season period next year to show he is ready.”
This year has been great for the 23-year old. After sealing a place in India’s playing eleven, now it is time for the Europa League. Speaking about his future plans he said, “I have two more seasons left with Stabaek on my contract and am not thinking about anything else. I think I’m on the right path. And patience and hard work always pays off!”
