A young Team India performed brilliantly to win Group B of the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 qualifiers, played in Malaysia, to progress to the final rounds.
Bob Houghton named a young squad for those qualifying matches and the youngsters repaid the faith which the English coach showed in them with some impressive displays.
As many as ten players made their senior international debuts in that tournament and they certainly look to be the future of the senior national team.
With India taking on UAE in the second round of the World Cup 2014 qualifiers it would be interesting to see how many of those youngsters keep their place in the next squad.
In our poll, YOU readers have a divided opinion on whether the seniors should be recalled for the World Cup qualifying squad.
Goal.com now looks at the future prospects of those ten debutants in the senior national team…
 Raju Gaikwad Age:20 | Strengths: Tackling, Positioning, Long throws Weaknesses: Distribution Future Prospects: The central defender showed glimpses of his talent in the two games that he featured in Malaysia and formed a good understanding with first Gouramangi Moirangthem against Chinese Taipei and then Anwar Ali in the stalemate with Turkmenistan. Raju is no doubt a future regular in the national team but even at present he will definitely push for a starting place if he continues to improve his game. |
 Govin Singh Age:23 | Strengths: Strong in the air, Tackling Weaknesses: Lack of pace, Distribution Future Prospects: Despite starting at right back in both the matches that he played in, Govin did a solid job for Team India. He has been part of the national setup for a long time now despite only making his debut in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers and thus is a player whom Bob Houghton knows a lot about. His versatility stands him a great chance of making the squad for the World Cup qualifiers also. |
 Nallappan Mohanraj Age:22 | Strengths: Long throws, Crossing Weaknesses: One-on-one defending, Positioning Future Prospects: The Mohun Bagan defender is another player who did train with the national team in the months leading up to the Asian Cup but still lacks experience at international level. Mohanraj is one of the few left backs in the country, who can provide quality going forward but will have to improve his overall defending in order to be sure of a place in the national team. |
 Denzil Franco Age:25 | Strengths: Overlapping runs, Pace, Crossing Weaknesses: Positioning while dealing with crosses from the opposite flank Future Prospects: The former Mahindra right wingback has been improving every season and thus is now very much an integral part of the national team. Denzil’s ability to defend and attack with equal consistency from fullback position always gives him an edge over other players in his position. He certainly made an impact after coming on as a sub against Pakistan and earned his first senior start against Turkmenistan. |
 Jewel Raja Age: 21 | Strengths: Workrate, Shooting Weaknesses: Physique Future Prospects: Had a dream debut in the 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei as he came off the bench to score India’s third goal with a fine finish from just outside the box. Jewel is a hard working and versatile midfielder, who has the ability to score from distance and his qualities will give Houghton a welcome headache when he names the next squad. |
 Shilton D'Silva Age:18 | Strengths: Ball winner in midfield, Distribution Weaknesses: Shooting Future Prospects: The boy from Mumbai is the youngest in this list but in terms of potential he is as good as any of the other debutants. Known mainly to protect the back four by making challenges in midfield, there are certain areas where Shilton has to improve. But with time very much on his side, there is no doubt that Shilton will only get better with further international experience. |
 Jagpreet Singh Age:22 | Strengths: Passing, Work rate Weaknesses: Physique, Doesn't score goals from midfield Future Prospects: Was on the fringes of the senior squad for almost two years before finally making his debut against Chinese Taipei. Houghton praised the JCT midfielder’s performance in that game and those who have watched Jagpreet play won’t be surprised to hear that. On his day, Jagpreet’s passing and distribution from the middle of park is as good as any other Indian central medio and he certainly has a good chance of becoming a regular in the national team now. |
 Joaquim Abranches Age:25 | Strengths: Pace, Finishing Weaknesses: First touch, Not strong in the air Future Prospects: The Dempo man also has been close to senior duties in recent times but won his first international cap as a substitute against Chinese Taipei. Joaquim can operate from both wings and also up front and this versatility is always handy at international level. He should however look to stay injury free and aim to score more goals at club level in order to guarantee himself a spot in the national squad. |
 Jeje Lalpekhlua Age:20 | Strengths: Finishing, Hold up play, Linking with midfield Weaknesses: Lack of Height Future Prospects: Jeje os no doubt the new star in Indian football now after making a flying start to his international career. The Mizoram-born striker has improved by large margins since the start of his first season in the top flight with Pune FC and that was confirmed with his showing in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers. At 20, there is plenty of room for improvement but Jeje already looks ready for the big international stage. |
 C.S. Sabeeth Age:20 | Strengths: Strong in the air, Pace Weaknesses: Injury Prone Future Prospects: The Viva Kerala player’s late goal against Myanmar as a substitute earned India a spot in the first round of the Olympic qualifiers but Bob Houghton had spotted his talents long time back and it was only injuries that weakened Sabeeth’s progress. Partnered Jeje upfront in the game against Turkmenistan in his senior debut but Sabeeth still probably would be more involved with the under-23 team for now at least. |
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