Vishnu Prasad By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Jerry Lalrinzuala was perhaps the brightest point of last season for Chennaiyin FC, starting off a journey that saw him make his India debut a couple of months ago. But all that goes back to when Marco Materazzi made him the youngest ever player to start an Indian Super League game. This year, someone even younger is set to get a shot.

Express has learnt that one of new Chennaiyin manager John Gregory’s first actions was to promote 17-year-old Baoringdao Bodo to the 25-member first team. Bodo, who was one of the five AIFF academy players signed last year, will only turn 18 in October. He spent last season travelling with the first team but playing no active part.

Then he went on loan to Minerva Punjab FC in the I-League and broke through to their first team, even become the youngest player to ever score in the league against Mumbai FC. Bodo is also part of the India team that is preparing for the upcoming U-19 SAFF Championship and U-19 Asian Cup qualifiers. However, he will miss pre-season owning to international commitments, but his progress was such that Gregory chose to promote him.

vishnu.prasad@newindianexpress.com