Punjab FC midfielder Ricky Shabong has moved closer to his dream of representing India. (Photo/Agency)

Meghalaya has always lagged behind its neighbors Manipur and Mizoram in terms of producing national team footballers. But it seems that more young footballers are representing India across the age groups and promising to wear the senior national team jersey one day. And the closest to that privilege is Punjab FC player Ricky Shabong, who was included in Khalid Jameel’s probables list for the 4-nation Unity Cup in London.“It has been my dream to wear the national team jersey ever since I started playing. That’s been my goal,” Shabong told TOI after receiving the news of his call-up.With Mohun Bagan super giants withdrawing seven of their players from the national camp on Saturday, and East Bengal asking injured Anwar Ali to avoid the trip, the Meghalaya midfielder’s dream looks closer than before.“I have played for age groups. But now that I have been selected for the senior team, I am really excited and want to fight more to represent my country and make my mother, father and everyone who supported me proud.” the 23-year-old said.