India recently lost the SAFF Cup to Maldives and certain sections of media as well as ex-players criticized Houghton's policies.

"I have been doing my job with utmost dedication and passion. I am trying to help out Indian football in the best way I can. I am hopeful that India would do well in the AFC Challenge Cup," Houghton told an Indian daily.

"I am not thinking about what will happen if India don't do well in Hyderabad. But if someone out there really suggests that I am not needed, I will not take much time to say 'Thank you very much' and part company.'"

"Only eight months are left out in my contract. Yet I have been constantly talking about youth development and what Indian should do to realise their 2018 World Cup dream. I will not be benefited from that. Still I am saying it because I want Indian football to progress." The Englishman mentioned certain experienced men in responsible positions expecting the coach to create some magic and take the team to glory.

"There are some people, who think that someone like Scolari and Hiddink would be able to take India to the top. That's a fairytale idea."

The coach was asked as to why he didn't try some youngsters for the national team, to which he replied, "If there are 70 Indian footballers playing regularly in the I-League, I know at least 60 of them very well. You name a talented youngster and he has been called to the camp. But you cannot experiment with the national team. You are there to win matches."