Bengaluru FC's Udanta Kumam training with English side Oxford United FC

Udanta’s promising career gets a boost with a training stint at Oxford United FC

I-League side Bengaluru FC have sent young winger Udanta Singh on a training stint with English League Two side Oxford United FC in an effort to aid his development. The Bengaluru player has been training under Oxford United coach Michael Appleton for a little more than a week now.

The youngster spoke about his training to the Bengaluru FC website, he said: “The facilities are really good here and there are a lot of similarities between methods here and at Bengaluru FC which makes me feel at home. It did take a bit to get used to the pitch but I'm comfortable now.”

The club coach Ashley Westwood has previously worked with Michael Appleton at Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool. He is confident that Udanta is in good hands. He told the club’s official website: “We are delighted that Oxford United have given Udanta a chance to train and improve at such a well-run and organised football club with some really good facilities as theirs.

“I personally went to meet the staff whom I know very well and I am pleased that he is in good hands with an exceptional coach who has worked with some of the best in the country in Roy Hodgson, Roberto Di Matteo and Bryan Robson. I am certain that Udanta will excel under the mentoring of Michael Appleton.”

@bengalurufc @OUFCOfficial thank you so much for this opportunity .

— Udanta Kumam (@UdantaK) July 21, 2015

Testing Udanta’s potential

The young winger has been touted widely as a great prospect for the future. He became Bengaluru FC’s youngest ever goalscorer having scored against Persipura Jayapura in an AFC Cup group game.

The club recognises his talent and the need to nurture it according to Bengaluru FC CEO Parth Jindal. He said: “We all know the kind of talent Udanta possesses and as a club, we need to make sure he's given the best chance to keep improving.

“We are glad that Oxford United FC accepted our request to have him over and we have no doubt whatsoever that the boy will make the most of his stay there. He will be under the guidance of a seasoned manager like Appleton and will return not only an asset to the club but to the country even.”

Even Oxford United coach Appleton commented on Udanta’s training stint, saying, “Oxford United are delighted to give Udanta the opportunity to keep progressing along his development path by coming and training with us and hopefully he will fulfill his potential.”