AIFF mulls national 'A' team

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is considering building a second-string national team much on the lines of the 'A' team in cricket.

The need for the 'A' team was felt because the AIFF thinks it fit to have a ready talent pool from which the senior national side can draw players as and when required.

According to AIFF sources, the proposed 'A' team could be put in place by the yearend.

Though final modalities of the 'A' team are still to be drawn, it has virtually been decided to have in this category players who are no older than 22 years.

"The football 'A' team would be much like the cricket 'A' team from which players keep getting into the senior national side," the sources said.

AIFF secretary Albert Colaco has been tasked with the responsibility of drawing the modalities of the proposed team.

The current national selectors could be used to spot talented players who could be included in the second-string side. 

The AIFF is worried that no promising junior player seems to be on the horizon of India football.

"What will happen after the current crop of players like Baichung Bhutia retire? This is a cause for concern," the sources said.

"Ours is such a huge country, but we don't have a second player of Baichung's standard. We need to find out why," they added.

The AIFF believes talent is available. Only one had to look at the right place. Once they are spotted, they would be groomed as 'A' team players.