Hard to replace Vijayan: Bhutia

Indian football ace Baichung Bhutia says said the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers would be a "really tough" assignment as India has been pitted against top quality sides.

Bhutia also felt it would be hard to replace veteran striker I M Vijayan, who announced his retirement from international football last year.

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"It would be very difficult to replace Vijayan, who had excellent ball control, off-the-ball play and his skill of sudden thrust inside the rival box. His absence will be felt in the national side," Bhutia told reporters in Kolkata.

But the Sikkimese, who paired with the 'Black Pearl' of Indian soccer in the striking line in a number of tourneys with telling effect, refused to join the chorus on urging Vijayan to stage a comeback for the World Cup qualifiers.

"This is his personal decision and I respect it."

Bhutia said the forthcoming qualifiers, where India will face formidable opponents like Japan, Oman and Singapore, will be "really tough".

"These are strong opponents and the going will not be easy. However, the players are preparing on their own now. Let's see what happens," he said.

To another query, the nimble-footed striker hailed chief national coach Stephen Constantine, saying: "He is innovative and of high quality."

Bhutia earlier launched the replica shirts of the Kingfisher East Bengal football team for fans and supporters. They were supplied by sports kit manufacturers Reebok.