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Page last updated at 16:29 GMT, Wednesday, 17 November 2010

India option boosts Cardiff City - Michael Chopra

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Chopra keen on India future

Bluebirds striker Michael Chopra says his proposed international future with India would be a boon for Cardiff City.

"It would help Cardiff City and boost Cardiff City because it would give them another avenue to promote the club," Chopra told BBC Sport Wales.

Chopra met India coach Bob Houghton before watching their friendly against Kuwait in Abu Dhabi this week.

He qualifies under Fifa rules courtesy of his Indian-born paternal grandparents.

But regulations in India mean only players who possess an Indian passport are allowed to represent their country, something he does not have.

The opportunity is too good to turn down

Michael Chopra

"It's a case of meeting the government over there and trying to get... I'm not sure if it's citizenship or something else," said the former England Under-21 international, 26.

"[Representing India] sounds pleasing, I would get the experience of international football that I've never had before. That would help myself and City.

"I've spoken to the manager [Houghton] who's happy, hopefully we can get things sorted."

While Chopra claims that his international ambitions will help his club, if he is selected for the Asian Cup in January it is likely to rule him out of two Championship matches and an FA Cup tie.

"When I first mentioned [the India chance] to [Cardiff manager] Dave Jones he was all for it," Chopra told BBC Sport Wales.

"I'm not sure he knew things were going to go as far as they have... but the opportunity is too good to turn down.

"Whether there are ways round [missing the Cardiff fixtures] I don't know, that's the only problem.

"I don't want to miss games, I want to play in every game."

*Hear Michael Chopra on BBC Radio Wales, Wednesday, 17 November, 1830 GMT



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Chopra ready to silence doubters
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Cardiff warn off Chopra bidders
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