Robin Singh: Playing for India highest honour

Robin Singh, who has been in and out of the national side, sought to steady the rocking boat with a successful season with his new club, the reigning Indian Super League champion ATK. Robin, who is one of the most capped players among the names in the current senior Indian team national with 30 international appearances, said he is toiling with the hope of regaining the place in the playing eleven of the Indian team.

“I cannot be questioning any coach on why I am not being picked up in the team. But not getting a chance in the side gives me the opportunity to work harder and get back the position. I want to get back in the national team because as a player it is the highest honour,” Robin put his case on Wednesday.

Ever since picking up an injury late in 2015, Robin’s appearance in both the national and the club sides have been sporadic. The striker is looking at making a successful return to form this season.

The 27-year-old said he has been working on regaining his sharpness in the striking zone much like what he did in his debut year with East Bengal in 2010. “I always miss playing for East Bengal. It will always occupy a special place in my heart as it gave me the chance to become a professional footballer,” said Robin, whose two goals against Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby helped East Bengal win the Calcutta League in 2010. The Kolkata giant has wining the title every year since then.

Robin, who has turned out for sides such as Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa in the previous seasons, said he would like to help his new employer, ATK, retain the title. “I wake up everyday wanting to learn and do the best in training. I have been blessed enough to play with ISL teams who accept me as a striker. I hope to give my best this season and see ATK keeping the title in Kolkata,” Robin said.

Robin’s upfront colleague Zequinha praised the way attacking brand of football is propagated by ISL. “I am seeing a different kind of football in India. There is lot of quality among the Indian players and it is nice to see the way you are allowed to attack when you have the chance to do it,” the Portuguese striker said.