Mukherjee to assist Constantine

Aloke Mukherjee has been appointed assistant coach of the national football squad for the Afro-Asian Games, to be held in Hyderabad from October 24.

"We have received a letter from the All India Football Federation appointing him as assistant to chief coach Stephen Constantine," Indian Football Association secretary Subrata Dutta said on Wednesday.

Dutta said the letter would be forwarded to Mukherjee by Thursday.

Mukherjee, who is now coach of city giants Mohun Bagan, said he would be "happy" to take charge of the national squad if his club gives him the green signal.

"All depends on the club; they have to decide on it," he said.

Mohun Bagan assistant secretary Balaram Chowdhury, also in-charge of football affairs, said Mukherjee would be definitely released. "He has been called for national duty and the nation comes above all," he said.

Mukherjee has earlier assisted Constantine in a number of tournaments, including the LG Cup and the Busan Asian Games.

Mukherjee's month-long assignment with the national side will begin from October 2, when the camp for the probables kicks-off in Bangalore.