The Indian custodian becomes the first Indian ever to play a competitive match for an top tier European side...

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu finally has the chance to prove his mettle for the European side, as he is all set to start against Runar in Norweigan Cup competition on Wednesday evening. The Punjab lad had secured a contract with the Norwegian outfit on 15th August, 2014 and had spent time on bench since then.

Though the Indian custodian had taken part in competitive matches for the reserve side, but this will be his first appearance for the senior team.

With this achievement, Gurpreet becomes the FIRST Indian ever to play a competitive fixture for the senior side of a top division European team. While Bhaichung Bhutia and Anupam Sarkar had played for second division clubs, Mohammad Salim never made an official appearance for Celtic.

With Sayouba Mande, a member of the AFCON winning squad of Ivory Coast being the first choice goalkeeper of the side, it was never going to be easy for the former East Bengal shot-stopper to make it to the first team.

However, Bob Bradley, the manager of the team has finally decided to hand Gurpreet a long-awaited chance to play in a competitive match for the senior team.

Just on my way to the stadium - making my competitive debut for Stabaek in the Cup tonight #TimeToDeliver @Stabaek pic.twitter.com/2LAjzBNnfu — Gurpreet Singh (@GurpreetGK) April 22, 2015

The goalkeeper has represented East Bengal and Pailan Arrows in the past.

