After holding reigning champions Bengaluru FC to a goalless draw in their first outing in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 season, NorthEast United FC will aim to build on the result when they face Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.

Ahead of the tie, indiansuperleague.com caught up with Highlanders defender Rakesh Pradhan for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts:

You've played your first match in the Hero ISL, how would you describe your debut?

It was a wonderful feeling. It was a great atmosphere in Bengaluru, the weather was good everything was good. It was just like when I played my first match against Gokulam (FC) in the Hero I-League. It was the same atmosphere, same nerves.

You got a point away from home against the defending champions. How much confidence will that give to the team?

It will give a big boost to the team, as they are defending champions. We took a point against them at their own home, where many teams can’t beat them or get a point. It was a really big step for us and we’ll take this confidence into the next game.

How does it feel to share the dressing room with someone like Asamoah Gyan?

He has a great personality. He has achieved lots of things in his life and his career. We are learning many things from him when we practice. He played at the top level. It’s a great thing to share the dressing room with him.

You've already played with Redeem (Tlang) and Rupert (Nongrum) earlier (at Shillong Lajong). Did that make it easier to settle in?

It was very easy, as they made me feel at home. They helped me from the first day, and taught me how to be around my teammates. This year they are more experienced as they have played at this level last year. So, it was very easy for me.

Read the Match Preview here.