ATK Mohun Bagan captain, Roy Krishna, has declared his availability to play for the Digicel National Football team in the Oceania qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be played in Qatar.

Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel confirmed that the qualifying round for the Oceania region will be hosted in March, next year.

He added that the 34-year-old striker is among the overseas-based player to join the team.

Speaking from Goa, India, yesterday Roy said if the timing is right then he’s available.

“I’m always the first to put my hand up for national duties,” Roy said.

“It’s an important calling and I will always give my all when I represent Fiji.”

He knows the competition against the region’s top teams like New Zealand, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu would be tough.

“It’s every footballer’s dream to play in the World Cup but I’m no different. I believe we need to work very hard to progress through the qualifiers as the competition is very tough,” Roy said.

“Everyone looks forward to the World Cup and the preparations are already underway, for most countries so definitely, it will be a huge challenge competing with stronger teams.

“Especially now with all the restrictions we have had due to the pandemic, it’s been difficult to assemble players to prepare well in advance.

“I hope when restrictions ease we can quickly get back on our feet and start our preparations without any further delays.”

The Siberia, Labasa, native said national football coach Flemming Serritstlev would be the best person to decide on who make the squad.

“Eventually I see a lot of good upcoming players that have impressed the coach.

“I’m sure with the training he (Serritslev) is going to give in the lead up to the qualifiers, we will have a solid national team,” he added.

The dates of the qualifying round is yet to be decided.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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