Guwahati: Assam lad Pranjal Bhumij, the new kid on the block "with a bright future in football", missed an opportunity to play for Mumbai City FC during their Wednesday evening's Indian Super League match against hosts NorthEast United FC here in front of his home crowd but was happy that his team won 2-0.

The 18-year-old from Panibeel Dwarika Nagar in Upper Assam's Sivasagar district sounded a true team man when he put the interest of the team above his individual aspiration saying: "I am not disappointed to miss an opportunity to play here tonight. I am rather happy that the team has won. We are lagging behind and need points from every match. It is not about playing here or somewhere else."

About being fielded for the last 15 minutes against Atletico de Kolkata at Mumbai on Sunday, the attacking midfielder said: "That was an opportunity I tried to use to the fullest and with confidence. I showed whatever I have in me."

Pranjal was expected to replace Sehnaj Singh in the midfield on Wednesday but the team management fielded Sanju Pradhan instead. Singh was serving a one-match suspension.

On making it to the cash-rich ISL at a tender age of 18 years, Pranjal said: "It feels good. It boosts my confidence and I am working hard to improve myself every day."

The teenager graduated from the Sports Authority of India centre here to I-League outfit DSK Shivajians, Pune, last season before signing for Mumbai City FC.

About coach Alexandre Guimaraes, the youngster said: "The coach is very friendly. He is a guiding force and loves me a lot."

On the match eve, Guimaraes, too, had spoken highly about Pranjal, saying: "Since the very first day he joined the team in the pre-season in Spain, he has showed the fire to be a professional footballer. He has the fire to learn. All I can say is he has a very bright future in football."

Pranjal is the fifth from Assam to be in the ISL after Durga Boro, Alen Deori, Holicharan Narzary and Vinit Rai. Boro and Deori are no longer playing in the league.