Regular goalie,Rehenesh revels in his new role as defender

“His strength is his confidence. At this age,it’s very difficult to convince a player to switch from his original position. But look at the way he has handled things playing for the first time as a left back,” Bose said speaking to Sportline,adding,“The only time we lost was when he was sent off early,against Orissa. There were no separate preparations going into the Subroto Cup. It’s just a desperate move that clicked and I hope it takes us to the next round.”

Rehenesh credits his team mates for his run,saying the support he gets from his partners in the box gives him the licence to make mistakes. The coach,however,wants him to improve as a left back even if he doesn’t take the position too seriously in future.

“I think every footballer should be able to play at least roles competently,including the goalkeeper. Nowadays coaches don’t focus on this aspect of the game and that’s why you won’t see too many all-round footballers. The importance of having such players is in front of you at a very primary level. All big international teams focus on developing multi-skilled players,” the coach said.

The coach,however,had an able replacement for Rehenesh,Shibinraj,who has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Behind some impressive saves the goalkeeper made against TAFS during their 3-0 victory on Wednesday,the coach says,Rehenesh had a role to play. “Shibinraj is improving rapidly and Revenesh’s advice close at hand during matches has helped him to that end. There’s no better way of learning than from your team mates and in a real-match scenario,” he added.

Rehenesh,meanwhile,is dying to go back to his natural position. “I’ve been making mistakes playing as a left back and want to return to goalkeeping. That’s where I have a future,” the player said.