O'Donell happy with trainees' progress

The All India Football Federation’s Technical Director Scott O’ Donell visited FC Metz to do the review of the five boys who have been training there for the past five to six weeks. O’ Donell spent significant time with the boys, their coaches and observed training sessions.

Anirudh Thapa, Prosenjit Chakraborty, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Baoringdao Bodo and Bedashwor Singh are currently training with the French club.

The All India Football Federation’s Technical Director Scott O’ Donell visited FC Metz to do the review of the five boys who have been training there for the past five to six weeks. O’ Donell spent significant time with the boys, their coaches and observed training sessions.

Anirudh Thapa, Prosenjit Chakraborty, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Baoringdao Bodo and Bedashwor Singh are currently training with the French club.

He was very extremely pleased with the training sessions and the progress made by the Boys and said, “The boys have fitted in very well. I observed four training sessions and one game, and our boys did not look out of place at all.

“Training and playing with and against quality players has certainly benefitted the boys. FC Metz Academy staff has made the players feel part of the club. It is an excellent opportunity for our boys," he added.

Denis Schaeffer, director of the French club's academy, said,“After a few weeks in Metz, the Indian players have progressed very satisfactorily. Their football level was a pleasant surprise to us.

“It appears that their work at the AIFF academies have developed the fundamental technique which allows them to adapt easily to our technical requirements and training sessions,” he added.

The boys have played a number of games with the FC Metz U-19 side and have impressed. O’ Donell will again be visiting Metz in September just after the pre season to review further progress.