Influence of foreign players positive: Bhutia

Ace striker Bhaichung Bhutia defended the growing dominance of foreign players in domestic football, saying it was not detrimental to the Indian game and this development should be seen in a positive manner.

As in previous domestic seasons, foreigners ruled the roost, bagging the top four spots in the goalscorers' list.

Bhutia said the Indian players needed to work harder to catch up with them.

"There is no lack of opportunities for Indian players. The foreigners are not snatching anything away from them. Indian need to create opportunities through hard work," Bhutia said.

Among the players in the domestic league, Bhutia was impressed by JCT's Sunil Chetri, who was the highest goalscorer among Indians in the 11th NFL with 12 strikes.

"Chetri is playing well. He has a lot of potential," the veteran footballer said.

Injuries prevented the veteran forward from showing his best in the 11th National Football League but at the Super Cup match against NFL champions Dempo Sports Club, he sparkled with a hat-trick to bring the trophy to Mohun Bagan for the first time.

However, the team was a big let-down in the league, finishing as low as eighth with Bhutia contributing only five goals.

"Several players at the club were injured. I was also struggling with injuries but am totally fit now."

The Sikkimese player attributed the injuries to the hectic NFL schedule.

"The NFL programme is very busy. As of now, players have to play 14 league matches in 14 days along with travelling. Players are prone to injuries as they don't get adequate rest between matches," he said.

"All India Football Federation is trying to change the schedule. In future, the load will be less, which will benefit the players."

Bhutia has signed to play for Bagan in the next season also.

"There was no offer from any foreign club," he said.

Recently, the government demoted football and hockey from its priority list and AIFF said it will talk to the Sports Ministry for a reversal of the order.

But Bhutia said the government decision would have little effect on football.

"Dropping football from the priority list will have no effect on the sport. If the decision is revoked, it will be good but will hardly make any difference," he added.