We caught up with Alloa new boy Michael Chopra at the Indodrill Stadium as his side prepared for Sunday’s Petrofac Training Cup final.
Chopra’s move to Clackmannanshire happened very quickly. He had been training with Port Vale and was ready to sign for them until Alloa made their approach.
The striker jumped at the opportunity to give Scottish football a go and travelled north to complete the deal. He featured the very next day as a second-half substitute at Ibrox, helping his new side to a vital 2-2 draw with Rangers.
The former Newcastle, Sunderland and Cardiff star has not played regular football since December, when he came to the end of a stint with Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters. He acknowledged that it will take some work to get his fitness up to scratch but feels he has already shown his quality after setting up Liam Buchanan’s first strike against Livingston last Saturday.
Chopra loved his time in India - it was a completely different experience for him and he explained that it took some time to adjust to the culture and the lifestyle but emphasised that the supporters were fantastic.
There is a growing excitement at the Indodrill ahead of Sunday’s match. Despite his experience in the English Premier League and Football League play-offs, Chopra pointed out that he has never won silverware as a player so winning the Petrofac Final would mean the world to him.
Chopra has been really impressed with his new team mates in training: "You wouldn’t think they (Alloa) are a part-time club because they’ve got great players. They’re comfortable on the ball. They work so hard and that’s what really sticks out for me.”
What?
SPFL Championship sides Livingston and Alloa Athletic will battle it out, on Sunday the 5th of April, in the final of the Petrofac Training Cup.
The match kicks off at 4.05pm and will take place at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
Fanzone!
All supporters are invited to our fantastic fanzone on the astroturf pitch next to the stadium. There will be something for everyone!
Live music, entertainment, games, football and free food for all, courtesy of sponsors, Petrofac Training Services.
How Much?
Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £5 for concessions with under 12s getting in for FREE as long as they are accompanied by an adult!
Where to Buy?
Livingston tickets are available from Reception at the Energy Assets Arena, Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm or via 01506 417 000.
Alloa Athletic tickets are can be purchased from the Alloa Leisure Bowl, weekdays 6.30am-9.00pm and 9.00am-4.00pm at weekends. Alloa supporters can make a postal application via Alloa Athletic FC, Indodrill Stadium, Clackmannan Road, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, FK10 1RY before Tuesday 31st March.
How Can I Get Involved?
Once you’ve got your ticket, keep an eye on the chat on Twitter and Facebook!
For exclusive content and all the latest build up ahead of the final follow @Petrofac_Cup
Like the Petrofac Training Cup on Facebook HERE
Get involved in the chat on social media using the hashtag #PetrofacFinal
Visit the Petrofac Training Cup website HERE
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