Midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh during a practice session at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore on Monday. (TOI... Read More

BENGALURU: Eugeneson Lyngdoh came into national reckoning after his exploits with Bengaluru FC here. Lyngdoh, who has now shifted base to Kolkata after joining Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata , is back in the city on national duty and the midfielder is confident of impressing fans again.

"Fans play a big role and every time the national team played here ( Sree Kanteerava Stadium ) there was never any disappointment. Even in the match against Kyrgyzstan, we won because of the adrenaline rush the fans gave us. I would love it if they come in big numbers," Lyngdoh told reporters here recalling India's 1-0 win on June 13.

The Meghalaya player was not ready to rate Macau - India's rivals in their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Wednesday - poorly, though the visitors are yet score a goal in three matches, having conceded seven. "They are a good side and we can't take them lightly. They are a compact unit so we have to break them down fast so that they don't build the strength as the game goes on," said Lyngdoh, who is into his third year with the national team and is now a regular starter.

With India needing just three more points to qualify, the star midfielder said the team is confident of making the grade. "The camp has been very lively and positive and the boys are eager (to perform). It's a big opportunity (to qualify) and we can't blow that away. Everyone is confident and we are looking forward to it," he added.

Recalling India's disastrous campaign in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers , Lyngdoh said the team learnt from the mistakes. "We were a new team and obviously things didn't go according to plan. But now we are on really good streak and we are on the verge of qualification for the Asian Cup. There is nothing to regret as past is past. I think we learnt from our mistakes."

'U-17 WC a great chance for youngsters'

Impressed by the performance of Komal Thatal and Co., Lyngdoh said the Under-17 World Cup is great chance for the hosts to show their skills. "I feel we have a lot of talent and we only need to show it to the world. It's just the platform that we lack. The U-17 World Cup is giving that platform as there are scouts from all over the world. It's a great opportunity for them to impress and if they do, any big club can come calling," Lyngdoh said.

"I feel they have got great individual abilities. They played well in the second half (against USA). They should feel confident and show their skills and not be afraid (of their rivals). The goalkeeper did very well and so were Komal, Thapa and Aniket. I would say every one did well living up to the expectations of the whole country," he added.

