5-year-old striker Suman Reza is likely to be head coach Jamie Day's first-choice striker in the absence of Nabib Newaj Jibon during a tri-nation tournament also involving hosts Nepal and Kyrgyzstan's U-23 team. The Brit has already termed Suman the best local player of the Bangladesh Premier League based on performances. The captain of struggling Uttar Baridhara Club talked to The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman about different aspects of his career ahead of the start of the tournament tomorrow in Kathmandu.

The Daily Star (TDS): Will you have any specific targets in Nepal?

Suman Reza (SR): Of course. I have a target goals in Nepal if I am given chances in matches. Apart from individual targets, I am also confident that we will return with a trophy from Nepal.

TDS: You are one of the top two local scorers in the domestic league this season. Will that help you at the international level?

SR: Getting goals in matches requires some luck, but there must be effort on the field. As I have gotten some goals in the league, it will of course help boost confidence in international matches.

TDS: How is your confidence ahead of the tri-nation tournament, especially after representing Bangladesh in just three international matches before?

RS: I was really excited to represent Bangladesh the first time and anxiety played a role and I felt pressure before taking to the field suddenly, despite everyone backing me. But this time around, there is no pressure or anxiety and I believe I can show my own game in international matches.

TDS: You were almost an unknown before being picked for the national team so there was no pressure on you before the start of the league. But are you feeling any pressure ahead of the start of the league this time?

RS: I haven't felt any pressure but I set a target of becoming the top-scorer or the best promising player in the league. With that in mind, I have already struck six goals. As captain of Uttar Baridhara Club, I always want to win every match and I give more effort up front to get goals so that no one can raise any fingers at my performances.

TDS: Jamie has said time and again that this tournament is a platform to judge new players. How confident are you of securing a place in the national squad for the Word Cup Qualifiers?

RS: If Jamie wants to see younger players in the tournament, I think it is good because every player will have a chance to show their talent. After playing three international matches, I grew in confidence and learned more about how to play international matches. I believe I can do better than my first three matches.

TDS: Have you noticed any improvements in your game after getting the national call-up? 

RS: I came back to the club with more confidence after playing for the national team and it also inspired me to put up good performances for my club during domestic matches.

TDS: You may receive offers from title aspirants next season. Would you prefer to play regularly in the starting eleven or run the risk of being benched like many other players who moved to bigger clubs after making it to the national team?

RS: If I get an offer from a big club, one thing I want is to ensure is playing time. I will discuss with clubs whether they will rope in two foreign strikers or give me chances in the playing eleven. Still, I am always ready to take the challenge of fighting for my place in the first eleven.