Indian national hockey team’s chief coach Michael Nobbs wants more goalkeeper probables in order to firm up teams for the future.
He also feels there is an urgent need for a specialist goalkeeper coach with the national teams.
The Australian is even worried India has not made required progress on this vital front
“This is one area I am presently worried”, he said during last days of recent Azlan Shah Cup
He went on to explain reasons of his worry
“If PR Sreejesh is injured, I have no one to fall back. But I am sure there are a number of good and talented custodians in the country. We have not yet found them”, he added.
He feels that what is needed at present is effort to pool in the available talent
There are so many tournaments around the country. There are so many teams with the Institutions and States. There are a number of keepers. So, we have to start a talent hunt for goalkeepers”, he articulates his vision on the subject.
He also informed this that he had already placed a request with Hockey India to look for a specialist goalkeeper coach.
“Now I have requested for a goalkeeper coach. If we have an overseas specialist, he can come in and put in some processes in place which can be continued later on. That will complete my support staff,” he concluded.
With the National Championship coming up next month, it is hoped many prospective goalkeepers are scouted for the national duty, which will add to the basket which at present has such talents as Sushant Tirkey, Keshav Dutt, Naveen etc, with the likes of Harmanpreet Singhs and others waiting to clear their names of WSH tag.