Foreign players not harming Indian football Bhutia

The continuing dominance of foreign players in domestic football was not detrimental to the Indian game and this development should be seen in a positive manner, ace striker Bhaichung Bhutia has said.

As in previous domestic seasons, foreigners ruled the roost, bagging the top four spots in the goalscorers' list. Bhutia said the Indian players needed to work harder to catch up with them.

"There is no lack of opportunities for Indian players. The foreigners are not snatching anything away from them. Indian need to create opportunities through hard work," Bhutia said.

Among the players in the domestic league, Bhutia was impressed by JCT's Sunil Chetri, who was the highest goalscorer among Indians in the 11th NFL with 12 strikes.

"Chetri is playing well. He has a lot of potential," the veteran footballer said.

Injuries prevented the veteran forward from showing his best in the 11th National Football League but at the Super Cup match against NFL champions Dempo Sports Club, he sparkled with a hat-trick to bring the trophy to Mohun Bagan for the first time.

However, the team was a big let-down in the league, finishing as low as eighth with Bhutia contributing only five goals.

"Several players at the club were injured. I was also struggling with injuries but am totally fit now."