Bangladesh have received a timely boost ahead of the SAFF Championship, with US-based forward Ronan Sullivan confirmed as available for the tournament in Dhaka.

BFF vice-president Fahad Karim confirmed the news to journalists at the federation’s headquarters on Thursday, October 15.

“Alhamdulillah, Ronan confirmed to me today that, InshaAllah, he will be able to come. We are keeping him in the main squad.”

Sullivan was central to Bangladesh’s unbeaten run at the Under-20 SAFF Championship in Male last April.

He scored twice against Pakistan, through a superb free kick and a header, then converted in the penalty shoot-out as Bangladesh beat India 4-3 in the final.

Sullivan will line up alongside Hamza and Jamal in the main squad, and supporters hope he can finally provide the reliable striker Bangladesh have sought for so long. Player registration closes on October 18.

The 15th edition runs from November 4 to 17 in Dhaka and features six teams, because Nepal are barred by a FIFA suspension. Hosts Bangladesh are in Group A with Sri Lanka and Bhutan, while holders India face the Maldives and Pakistan in Group B.

After the group stage, the two semi-finals will be played on November 14, before the final on November 17 brings the tournament to a close. Bangladesh’s only title in the competition came in 2003.