Lajong hopes to continue good run

By P.S. Parameswaran, Shillong, Dec 21 (Indianfootball.com-IBNS) After eight games in the I-League Shillong Lajong FC is lying ninth in the table and for a team tipped for relegation things couldn't be much better.

The boys from the Northeast make their debut in the Federation Cup and they will be looking forward to put up an impressive show.

Their coach Stanley Rozario praised his boys for a positive start thus far in the I-League. "Our performance in the I-League has been really good. The boys put up a brilliant performance and it reflects in the league table," he told IndianFootball.Com.

He believes the team is capable of surprises in the tournament in a group which involves Dempo SC, Pune FC and Air India. "We have played against all three opponents in the I-League and that will really help us to go well prepared against them."

Lajong will be without seasoned Marlanki Suting who injured himself in the training and needs a surgery while the club has opted for James Giblee and defender Ayeni Bidemi Daniel for the tournament which means the Nigerian Michael Bassey will have to sit out.

Much will also depend on their Asian striker Anil Gurung who netted three goals in the SAFF Cup for Nepal and Stanley believes his experience will definitely help the young team.

Lajong will face Air India on Tuesday in their opening game.