Blackburn to unearth Indian talent?

One of the directors of Venky's, the poultry farm from India that bought English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers, Balaji Rao said it is his desire to bring in an scout for promising talent in India and be the first person to import Indians to the cash-awash English Premier League.

"I want to be the first person to get an Indian playing in the EPL. If at least one Indian player makes it to the EPL my dream is done." Rao said.
Accorfing to reports, the new owners of Blackburn Rovers wants to use the resources available at the club to widen the scouting network to India and if possible also start a feeder club there.

Rao wants 4 - 5 Indian players to train a Rovers for a period of around 2 years and scouts have been sent to the sub continent to look for players who would fit the bill. "I plan to have an academy in Pune in the next two years," Rao told the Lancashire Telegraph.

"In fact, officials from Blackburn Rovers academy will be coming to India to talent hunt soon. They will select four to five youngsters who will train at the academy in England for two years. Hopefully, one will play for the main team two years from now." Rao added.

He was also keen on setting up a new football club in India, near Pune.
"I am planning to start a Venky's football team in the next two years which will play in the Indian League. If okayed by the board I intend to name it Blackburn Rovers Pune."

Rao said Blackburn's failure in trying to capture top players, David Beckham and Ronaldinho was not a deterrent and his club will work towards signing some big names soon. "Yes we were trying to get Beckham, then we went lax on it as we were pursuing Ronaldinho," he said.

"Nevertheless, I assure you we'll get a big name playing for us pretty soon.
Rao thanked the club's supporters for welcoming the new owners, "The first time as owners, they (Rovers fans) welcomed us so well. The feeling is overwhelming. It's something great," he concluded.

- Vishaal Loganathan