Having skipped classes, Dipok Roy once used to walk five kilometres almost every day from his residence to attend practice sessions at Boro Math of Nilphamari.

Hailing from humble origins, Dipok worked as an assistant to a carpenter only to be able to buy a pair of boots. He also had to endure taunts from his neighbours and berating from his father, who always wanted him to focus on studies for a better future instead of trying his luck at football.

After crossing such hurdles one after another in his childhood, and from playing the Pioneer Football League to the Bangladesh Premier League, the 21-year-old forward now got into the preliminary squad of the Bangladesh national football team for the two FIFA friendly matches against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place on September 4 and 7 at the Bashundhara Kings arena.

Five days into training under the national team's Spanish coach Javier Cabrera, Dipok could spot how different it is to play and train for the national side. And the Sheikh Russel KC forward is looking forward to securing a place in the final squad to fulfill his ultimate dream.

The hardships of childhood made him realise one thing -- that he would have to work harder to earn and keep his place in the national side, and the young forward seems determined to do so.

"Once, we didn't have anything and were going through a hard time. However, by playing football, I bought a piece of land for my parents and also got my father a new auto [rickshaw]. When my parents and I heard that I got called up for the national squad, it was a different feeling and I want to stay in the national team as long as possible," Dipok said.

The young forward, who usually starts on the bench for his club in the BPL, realised he would need to push harder for his dream to come true.

"Except for a few clubs, the condition of all the other clubs is not good. But the environment of the national team is totally different than that you find at the club level. The standard of practice sessions, food, accommodation, facilities -- everything is different. So, I am hoping my performance will reflect it [the improved facilities], and my ultimate target is to secure a place in the national team."

Dipok struck four goals last season for Sheikh Russel. He joined the club in the 2021-22 season after playing only 13 BPL matches in four seasons for Abahani, who picked him from their BPL U-18 tournament's winning squad in 2017.

"I left Abahani in a bid to get more playing time. I have been called to the preliminary squad following my performances at the club level and I have to prove it at the national team. I will be trying my level best to cement my place in the national team and mold myself the way the coach wants to play me," he said.

The winger believes speed and goal-scoring capability helped him earn a call in the national team and he does not only want to stick to enhancing his strong areas but also overcome his shortcomings in the national team's training.

"My strength is speed and the ability to score goals. I am always focused on scoring whenever I step onto the ground because I know it will help me have the focus on myself even if I play badly for the most part of a game," the lad from Dinajpur added.