Mohun Bagan’s semi-final hero Sangram Mukherjee is all-praise for his younger teammate Shilton Paul.

By Garima Varma

Sangram made a late appearance on the field but came out triumphant in the climax of the second semi-final of the IFA Shield at Salt Lake Stadium. He saved a penalty in the tie-breaker to lead Bagan to a 5-4 win against Chirag United.

Despite his heroics, Sangram has no qualms in heaping praises on Paul. “Shilton was wonderful. He kept his cool and made some very good saves,” Sangram said, with a smile on his face.

After Shilton stood guard under the bar for a good 120 minutes, coach Karim Bencherifa asked him to vacate the spot for the regular skipper Sangram.

Though Shilton had not looked too happy while coming out, Sangram brushed aside his reaction just as a childish demeanour. “Shilton was of course feeling very confident, but then suddenly the coach decided to swap.

"He must have been a little surprised but he was alright later and had no complaints,” the lofty custodian said of his younger teammate.

Sangram, who has been the mainstay for the ‘penalty shootout kings’ Bagan for a long time, did not fail them despite carrying an injury. “You can’t help in such a situation. You have to be ready for these moments.

I knew that I would not be able to play a big part in the match, but I was mentally prepared for a shootout if a need arose,” Sangram said, who took no time in reporting to work in the 18-yard box.

Not only that, with the whole of the stadium chanting his name, he also kept his cool during the tense moments of the tie-breaker.

No one can deny that the 28-year-old Sangram, who has been a part of the Indian national team in the past, has many more years of football left in him. The senior goal-keeper, however, is more than happy to see Shilton already sharing the task with him.

While one would have expected Sangram to feel a little insecure about his place after Shilton’s display, surprisingly, it seems he has no place for that in his heart and mind. All he has are just praises and good wishes for him. “Shilton has been doing very well lately.

"He has potential and he showed yesterday (Wednesday) that he is prepared to handle the pressure of a crucial game,” Sangram said, adding, “He just needs to get more mature for crunch moments like a penalty shootout. That comes with experience.”

Sangram looked so happy and impressed with Shilton’s performance that he took no time in making a grand prediction. “I definitely see Shilton donning the Indian jersey in due course,” he said.

“India have a good goalkeeper in Subrata Pal right now. He should see India through for a long time. But once Subrata and Subhasish Roy Chowdhury are past their prime, I see Shilton doing the needful for the national side.