Nice article in The Observer today (news section) re Chopra.

Too long to reproduce but this is the gist.

'Goal machine Michael Chopra 17, is set to become the Premiership's first home-grown British Asian star - and his debut will be a cultural landmark for a new generation of fans.'

'The half-indian, half english striker is set to become the first home grown player from an Asian background to play in the premiership. Football experts believe his is destined for greatness.'

'He has set soccer's rumour mill buzzing with a string of goal studded performanches for NUFC and England's youth sides............Peter Beardsley, his coach at the club, reckons he is potentially a better player than his hero, Alan Shearer.'

Article goes on to state that Chopra, along with a couple of other Asian lads at other clubs, may make the same impact as some of the first British born black players such as Cyril Regis.

'His ambitions are bold, to win the Premiership with the club he has supported since his father took him to SJP as a six year old.......... Les Reed the FA's director of technical development believes he is............'a natural goalscorer with great technique, superb balance and 2 good feet, and he's lethal in the 6 yard box....'

Nice article and nice picture of young Micheal wearing an England shirt (should have shown him in his black and white)

Good to see NUFC being mentioned positively in an article in the press - for a change.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Answers

It'll be great when all the young team come through into the first team.

With the right guidance there are some potential international players there.

I also like to see Chopra doing well because he's my mate's cousin (Chopra's mam is my friend's aunty)

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Or is Chopra's dad my friend's uncle?

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

It's funny that owld Ofy is now doing so well, it seems that he's almost surpassed the delights of Chopra Jnr....comments from thems that knows....?

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001