Want to prove that I’m worthy of staying at this level: Defender Nikhil Poojary

Hyderabad FC’s defender Nikhil Poojary wants to prove his mettle and said he wants to show that he is capable of staying at the top level in the Hero Indian Super League. Poojary made 21 appearances in ISL 2022-23 season for the Nizams and provided one assist.

Meanwhile, Poojary last appearance in the Indian colors came during the team’s historic goalless draw against Qatar in 2019 during the World Cup 2022 qualifiers. However, since then the defender hasn’t been able to make the cut into the Blue Tigers squad.

The 27-year-old from Mangaluru revealed the aim is to get back into the national team.

“If you ask anybody in the Hero ISL, their dream is to play in the national team. Obviously, the last few years were difficult, but I’m honoured to be back after four full seasons. With whatever minutes I get, I want to prove that I’m worthy of staying at this level,” he said in an interaction with the-aiff.com.

After a good start with Hyderabad FC, Poojary could only play 10 matches for the club in the 2020-21 season due to injury. In fact, Poojary initially played as a winger for the club but switched to the right-back position. He admitted that the transition was smooth as he had played as a defender at the youth level and thus he was able to grab his chance.

“Initially, I played as a winger at HFC. Shifting to right-back was a new experience for me, but my transition was smooth because I had played as a defender at the youth level. During my U-15 days at Mumbai FC under coach Naushad Moosa, he always used to say that every player must know how to play in multiple positions.

“My transition was also made easier by my teammates at Hyderabad FC. I play alongside an experienced Spanish defender (Odei Onaindia). In front of me, I’ve got one of the best left-footed players in India – Mohammad Yasir. In midfield, there are João (Victor) and Hitesh (Sharma). So, I’ve become very comfortable at right-back thanks to my coaches and teammates,” said Poojary.

Poojary will look to keep up the good show for Hyderabad FC and deliver the goods for the club so that he gets the national team’s recall.