Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on course to be first Indian in Europa League squad

New Delhi: Young goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has several firsts to his credit.

Eight months after the lanky stopper became the first Indian footballer to play for a first division European club, Gurpreet is now on course to be part Stabaek's team that will play in the Europa League next season.

Stabaek beat Start in the Tippeligaen to book their place in the tournament's next edition, which means Gurpreet will be the first Indian to be part of a team scheduled to play in Euorpe's second tier competition.

"It's an unbelievable feeling. It's like someone has created magic. My teammates don't realize what they have done for the team and me. When you think of where I came from, being part of Europa League is something you can only dream of," Gurpreet told the Times of India.

The former East Bengal keeper's contract with the Norwegian outfit runs till 2017.

"The last away game and then India's home match against Guam are the things on my mind at the moment. This moment is right up there with India debut against Iran and Stabaek first team game, but I have to keep my levels high and focus on the task at hand," he further added.

India's national team coach drafted the 23-year-old into the playing eleven for the first time against Iran in the World Cup qualifier in September.