ISL 2018-19: Bengaluru FC v Kerala Blasters - How Sandesh Jhingan, Dheeraj Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu reacted

Kerala Blasters' Dheeraj Singh hoping for India U-23 call-up

Sandesh Jhingan (left) and Dheeraj Singh of Kerala Blasters

Dheeraj Singh, the Blasters' goalkeeper, has developed quite well and is touted to be a future goalkeeper of the senior Indian national team. At 18, Dheeraj has already clocked 900 minutes (making 10 appearances) in the ISL, ensuring two clean sheets.

The AFC Under-23 Championship Qualifiers will be held in March and Dheeraj hopes to be called up to the India U-23 side.

Dheeraj said: "It was a really high and intense game. We started very well in the first half and it was one of the best matches for Kerala Blasters.

"For me, it's very important to get more playing time and I am lucky enough to get this opportunity of starting matches for Blasters. To develop as a player, I need game time and that's important. I am just keeping things simple in matches and training.

"I am looking forward to representing India in the AFC Under-23 Championship Qualifiers in March."

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Jhingan explains that energetic jump

Meanwhile, Jhingan paid a tribute to the Kerala Blasters' fans at the end of the game. While all the players went near the away stand and acknowledged the crowd, captain Jhingan was pumped up.

"I am really happy the Manjappada travelled all the way and supported us," he explained later. "I was not sure whether they would come. We haven't done well this season but I am happy to get those cheers from the crowd.

"Of course, we would be happy to get 3 points and give them joy but that's football. Good spirit by the Bengaluru FC fans as well and I thank them for ensuring an electric atmosphere."