Dheeraj Singh was recommended to Motherwell FC by former Scottish striker Alan Gow (left), who last donned col... Read More

PANAJI: India U-17 goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh has returned home after a three-month trial with Motherwell FC and will pack his bags for the Scottish Premiership should he get a work permit .

India’s star goalkeeper at the Fifa U-17 World Cup last year quit Indian Arrows, the developmental side of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), to try his luck in Europe. He trained with the first team of Motherwell FC who, impressed with his attitude and agility, offered him a three-year contract.

Dheeraj can sign the professional contract only when he turns 18 on July 4 and must fulfil conditions to secure a work permit.

“Dheeraj trained full time, participating in practice matches impressing Motherwell’s management and goalkeeping coach with his attitude and agility, prompting a firm offer of a three-year deal. Motherwell have applied for a special circumstance work permit due to Fifa rules and expect to hear back in the not-too-distant future,” said Alan Gow , a former Scottish player and now agent who recommended Dheeraj to the Scottish club.

Dheeraj will find it tough to secure a work permit as United Kingdom’s strict rules for footballers means only those who feature in at least 75% of his country’s competitive international games and from a country ranked in the top 70 of Fifa rankings can be considered.

Even if Dheeraj fails to secure a work permit, Gow, who last played for Kolkata giants East Bengal, has no doubt that the young goalkeeper will have many suitors.

The goalkeeper is in demand in India with several Indian Super League (ISL) franchises keen to land his signature. Sources said, some foreign teams have also shown more than just passing interest in Dheeraj.

Dheeraj was brought to Gow’s attention through recommendations from former players in India.

“I watched him closely before the World Cup started and recommended him to the chief executive at Motherwell Football Club. Motherwell watched footage of Dheeraj’s matches and were impressed, asking me to organise a trial and invite him to the club. Anuj (Kichlu) and I then worked closely to help make this happen and secure Dheeraj a deal,” he said.

Dheeraj was India’s find at the Fifa U-17 World Cup. India lost all three group matches and scored just one goal against Colombia, but the young goalkeeper covered himself in glory with some superlative saves.