East Bengal are all set to field a second-string side in the IFA Shield, starting on March 11. The red and golds will also miss the presence of coach Trevor Morgan in the dug-out since the Englishman is slated to go on leave during the period. According to the fixtures published by the IFA, East Bengal are scheduled to kick-start their campaign against fellow CFL Premier Division side Southern Samity on March 12. However, since the team will be engaged in their AFC Cup campaign during this time, it's likely that Morgan will reserve the regulars for the continental contest, allowing the fringe players to fight for the Shield honours. "The Shield will be an opportunity for those players who won't be playing in the I-League and AFC Cup regularly. It will be a good test for my bench," he said on Tuesday. After the opening match, Morgan, however, will not guide the red and golds, since he will be off to a "brief holiday." The Englishman, settled in Perth, will leave for home after managing the side against Indonesian outfit Persipura Jayapura at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta on March 16 and will return to Kolkata on March 28.
In Morgan's absence, assistant coach Tushar Rakshit and goalkeeping coach Atanu Bhattacharya will take charge of the team.
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