Sports Desk:

Shamit Shome arrived in Bangladesh on the same day the national team faced Bhutan last week.

He watched the game from the stands as Bangladesh secured a comfortable 2-0 win.

It has been only five days since he travelled all the way from Canada and joined the Bangladesh squad for the first time—without participating in any prior team training sessions.

Bangladesh’s head coach, Javier Cabrera, said Shamit has been adapting impressively in a short period.

“Shamit is adapting very well. His relationship with all the teammates is very humble. He is open to everything—tactics, technique, technical matters. He’s getting along with everyone very well,” said the Spanish coach on Sunday.

Hints from Cabrera during the pre-match press conference suggest that the Canadian-Bangladeshi midfielder could well make his debut against Singapore on Monday.

“The impression is that he’s actually ready. Even during training sessions, the pace he has and his understanding of the game are impressive. He’s very interested in learning the game model and our tactical approach, and he’s been attending several individual meetings,” Cabrera explained.

“He’s also requesting video footage—so we are very positive about his addition,” the coach added.

Bangladesh will host Singapore in their second AFC Asian Cup qualifying fixture.

The match will take place at the newly-renovated National Stadium in Dhaka.

If Shamit plays, it will further strengthen a Bangladesh midfield already bolstered by the recent addition of Hamza Choudhury.

Shamit previously represented various Canadian national youth and senior teams.

He currently plays for Cavalry FC in the Canadian top-flight league.

In April, Shamit decided to represent Bangladesh, the birthplace of his parents.

In early May, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) received FIFA’s approval for Shamit’s switch of allegiance to the men in red and green.

It all happened rapidly, offering Bangladesh football fans renewed hope on the international stage.