The Dempo player said that it would be tough for him since he is still recovering from the injury.

'It is a tough task for me. I know it is not possible for me to find the form that I was in last year. But I am looking at it as a challenge and will give my best,' he said.

Houghton also has plans to start with Abhishek Yadav upfront and can also use defender Rahim Nabi as a forward.

Both players are excited at the prospect of making the first eleven.

'It is good sign that Bob is now having some options. I think it will also benefit the team keeping in mind that we are also preparing for the 2011 Asian Cup,' Yadav said.

Nabi feels that the change in role won't be a problem for him.

'Since my childhood I have been playing as a forward. I my club also I play the role of a forward so it won't be a problem for me,' said the newly appointed East Bengal captain.