India U-17 goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh leaves for UK for trial with Scottish club Motherwell FC

Bengaluru, February 7: India Under-17 World Cup team's goalkeeper, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, on Wednesday (February 7) left for the United Kingdom to undergo a trial with Scottish Premiership club Motherwell FC.

Dheeraj, who was a standout performer for the country at the World Cup, made the journey with agent Anuj Kichlu from The Football Edge. In Scotland, he will train with the first team of Motherwell FC for about three weeks. After the brief stint, the club will take a call on handing Dheeraj a contract.

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The young goalkeeper from Manipur was part of the All India Football Federation's developmental side Indian Arrows in the I-League. After making six appearances for them, he decided not to renew his contract at the end of 2017. He then trained with Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters while waiting for his visa approval. While not being part of Blasters' ISL squad, Dheeraj stayed with them to be in shape and be match-fit.

The player announced the end of his training stint with Blasters in an instagram post on Tuesday (February 6). "A big thank you to @KeralaBlasters, its inspirational manager @jamo1dj (David James) and the fantastic players here for the last couple of weeks of training. Heading off to United Kingdom feeling fit and full of confidence. All the best to everyone at Kerala Blasters and wish you success in the crucial matches ahead."

While Blasters wanted to play Dheeraj in a couple of ISL matches, the AIFF didn't permit the move. According to the Times of India, the AIFF didn't provide Dheeraj the necessary permission to play for Blasters. The AIFF, however, made an exception for India U-17 World Cup team's winger Komal Thatal, who joined ATK. Dheeraj's name reportedly figures in the list of 25 players which clubs were barred from signing.

Dheeraj will first try his luck with Motherwell. The shot-stopper will be offered a long-term contract only if he impresses his coaches there. However, he still has to wait until July, when he turns 18, to obtain an international transfer. Dheeraj reportedly handpicked the offer from Motherwell FC, snubbing a few clubs in Australia, Canada and Spain (second division).

"He will train with the first team. Motherwell have a small (first-team) squad and Dheeraj will be presented with an official team jersey with a number," Kichlu told the Times of India.

Dheeraj first caught the eye when India hosted the Under-17 World Cup in October 2017. India failed to win a single point over the whole course of the tournament, but the young goalkeeper made headlines for his excellent display.