India should make use of more talents from overseas like Williams: Coyle

Ryan Williams’ goal in the AFC Cup Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong China here three weeks ago was perhaps the brightest spot in a season of gloom for Indian football. The inclusion of the Australian born striker is, in fact, the best thing to have happened for Indian football for a long time.

That should open the door for more players like Williams, raised overseas but eligible to represent India. Owen Coyle, the widely respected coach with vast experience in India and a former striker who has played in the English Premier League and for Ireland, believes India should look out for such talents from overseas.

Coyle, who is back in India as the coach of Jamshedpur FC, reminds you that he is qualified to speak about it. “I was born in Scotland of Irish parents but grew up in Ireland, which I was able to represent in international football,” he told The Hindu.