NEW DELHI, June 7 - Vikash Dhorasoo's involvement in France's World Cup challenge is of particular interest in faraway India.

Front-page articles have been written about the Mauritius-born Paris St Germain midfielder as the birthplace of his parents wills him to succeed at the finals in Germany.

The 32-year-old Dhorasoo has also sparked renewed interest among expat players, with Indian soccer officials looking to bring them back to play for their country.

"Anyone who has got the credentials, we are very much interested in," Albert Colaco, secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), told Reuters.

Millions of cricket-mad fans in India are switching allegiance as the World Cup soccer festival looms, although the struggling national team are ranked a lowly 117th.

The AIFF's attempts to bring back players reflect the changing profile of the expat community and a bid to make Indian soccer more professional.

"Now Indian youngsters abroad are taking up football," Colaco said. "India has definitely got (footballing) links, like Senegal and Jamaica."

The AIFF has a list of players based in Europe and United States thanks to the help of a German-based portal on Indian soccer (www.indianfootball.com).

But getting them to play for India could be a different ball game.

"We have got a whole list of players from them," Colaco said. "Unfortunately, all the good players don't have Indian passports."

PERSUASIVE SKILLS

The AIFF would need to use their persuasive skills as several of the players dream of representing countries like Netherlands and England after coming through their age-group sides.

Only Indian passport holders can play for the national team, although rule changes now allow those of Indian origin to acquire one.

According to the rules of soccer's governing body FIFA, players with dual citizenship or nationality who have not played international soccer above under-23 are eligible to apply to change the country they represent, as long as they do it before they are 21.

Arunava Chaudhuri, head of the portal, feels such issues could be sorted out if the right players are found.

"We don't have to look for a whole team of PIO's (persons of Indian origin)," he told Reuters by telephone.

"If we get two or three players in key positions, especially up front, it should help us reach the next level."

Chaudhuri began his search after watching a documentary on Dhorasoo. India captain Baichung Bhutia's stint with English club Bury five years ago also brought focus on Indians.

Officials are pinning their hopes on young talent like former Dutch under-20 strikers Kiran Bechan and Prince Rajcomar.

Ultimate success in their bid could revive soccer in India, twice former Asian Games champions who have faded away even on their own continent over the last 20 years.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary Peter Velappan has dubbed India a "sleeping giant" in soccer, pointing to their growing economic clout.

Winning games with foreign feet could be the first step to unlocking that potential.