ISL 2015: NorthEast United FC strengthen defence with the signing of former Premier League utility player

NorthEast United FC have roped in Cameroon defender Andre Bikey as a replacement for ex-Sporting Lisbon defender Miguel Garcia.

Garcia suffered an achilles tendon rupture earlier in the season, and he needs a recovery time of around 10-12 weeks, a statement from the Indian Super League on Tuesday confirmed.

NorthEast United FC play their second home game in the ISL season 2 today as they host Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi athletic stadium in Guwahati, and Bikey can be expected to feature in the game.

Check the Preview of the game HERE.

Bikey, 30, is regarded as a utility defender as he can ply his trade in any position at the back and also couple up as a defensive midfielder on occasions. John Abraham's side snapped him up for free after the former Reading and Burnley player was released by English Championship side Charlton Athletic in August this year.

He has a total of 65 appearances in the English Premier League with four goals, as well as a total of 138 appearances in the second tier of English football in his career so far.

Bikey played for his senior national team side between 2006 and 2010 and also has an international goal in a 2010 World Cup qualifier for Cameroon.

Lots of foreign players -- Garcia, Boubacar Sanogo as well as Kondwani Mtonga -- have been ruled out of the ISL franchisee this season due to injuries. Meanwhile, marquee player Simao Sabrosa has also not featured in any of the three games for NorthEast United FC this season as he recovers from his injury.