Kerala Blasters rope in India's FIFA U-17 World Cup goalscorer Jeakson Singh

The starlet was plying his trade for Indian Arrows in the I-League last season.

Less than a week after Kerala Blasters' convincing win against ATK in the Indian Super League (ISL) opener, the southerners have once again put the limelight on themselves. In a daunting move, the Blasters have roped in India's first scorer in a FIFA World Cup, Jeakson Singh from I-League champions Minerva Punjab FC.

The Manipuri midfielder rose to fame when he scored for India in FIFA U-17 World Cup clash against Colombia. After the World Cup, the starlet has been plying his trade for Indian Arrows in the I-League and made eight appearances for the AIFF developmental side. 

Earlier this year, Kerala Blasters had secured the services of Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, India's goalkeeper and Jeakson's teammate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The 18-year-old custodian made his official debut for the team against ATK in the season opener at the Salt Lake Stadium couple of days before.

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David James, the Blasters' head coach had already hinted that he wanted to create a strong young Indian nucleus for the Blasters. Since last season, the southerners have promoted the likes of Mohamed Rakip, Deependra Singh Negi, Sahal Abdul Samad, Dheeraj Singh among others and are becoming a hotspot for young footballers in the country.

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The Kerala Blasters gaffer also told that the age group World Cup in India last year have helped in uplifting the quality of young Indian footballers. “The FIFA U-17 World Cup last year in India has had a strong influence on Indian football with the quality of young players coming through. Looking at the Kerala Blasters side three or four months on, it doesn’t resemble the squad I took over last season," he said.

Kerala Blasters play their next game against Mumbai City on Friday.