BURY'S Indian international Baichung Bhutia is expected back in England today after having his holiday cut short by the threat of war.

Shakers chairman Terry Robinson allowed the player to return to India to be with his friends and family while he recouperates from a knee operation.

But because of the unstable situation in nearby Pakistan and Afghanistan, Robinson ordered Bhutia to get home in case military action began and airspace was closed.

It wasn't easy contacting the striker though. Several phone calls went unanswered and it was only an e-mail that saved the day.

The Bury chairman said: "With an international coalition, led by the USA, about to strike in the general area it was thought prudent of the club to contact Baichung in India and to seek his return to Bury.

"After many unsuccessful phone calls to India over the last few days we decided to send Baichung an e-mail as a last resort.

"Finally, Bhutia responded to the message and assured us he would arrive back in the UK asap. He called back just twenty minutes later and announced that he would be on a flight within the hour."

Robinson added: "This is the first time we have used such technology in getting hold of one of our players in such a remote part of the world.

"Thankfully Bhaichung received his message just minutes after we sent it and we are glad he is on his way back.

"With the United States about to escalate the situation over there, we were a little worried that Bhaichung would be stuck in the middle of it."

Bhutia injured his knee in the first home match of the season against Queens Park Rangers.

He underwent an operation to repair cartilage damage two weeks ago and is expected to resume light training next week. Meanwhile, Bhutia has welcomed the signing Leeds United reserve Harpal Singh and hopes it could encourage more Asian youngsters to take up soccer.

"With Harpal joining me here at Bury, the inevitable question people will ask is will this encourage more Asian kids here take up football," said Baichung.

"The Asian community makes up something like six per cent of the population here so it's difficult to know why there aren't more Asian footballers around. Obviously I didn't grow up in England, unlike Harpal who was born in Bradford, but I gather previous generations weren't really supported in football.

"Racism is talked about as a factor behind that, but I've never heard anything aimed at me. I've never experienced anything like that since I've been in England.

"The main problem is that previously, Asian families were more interested in education than sport. Now that's changing. From our generation onwards, families support kids wanting to become footballers a lot more and I see things developing for the better.

"From my point of view, hopefully the kids back home can get confidence from what I have done and come over to places like England to play for themselves."

The Indian added: "I hope my decision to come to England will give young kids playing football in my home country the encouragement and confidence they need to perform well and succeed in the long term. I can't speak for Harpal, but I would like to think I'm helping the situation."