Kochi, June 28 (IANS): Ahead of the third edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), franchise Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India international N. P. Pradeep as the official player scout for the club in Kerala.

Pradeep will work closely with head coach Steve Coppell and assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed to discover promising young players and future stars from among the local talent in Kerala.

Pradeep represented India at various age group levels, including the Under-20 team that reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Youth Championships in 2002. 

His debut with the India national football team was at the 2005 SAAF Championship which India won. With 50 international caps, it was his powerful shot from just outside the box that led India to its first Nehru Cup victory in 2007 after two decades of hosting the tournament. 

In 2006, Pradeep joined National League champions Mahindra United.

Subsequently he has also played for Viva Kerala FC, Mohun Bagan AC, Dodsal Football Club and Mumbai in a career where he was the versatile 'team man’ always playing for the benefit of the team.

"It is our endeavour to promote and nurture home grown talent, and to lay this foundation, Pradeep will work with Steve and Ishfaq in finding and evaluating young talented players. These are the first steps in putting together a framework to build a world-class football team at Kerala Blasters," Viren D’Silva, Kerala Blasters' CEO said in a release.