Le Touquet (France), Aug 1 (IANS): The return of senior striker S.V. Sunil from injury has strengthened the Indian men's hockey team's attack, fellow forward Ramandeep Singh said on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Sunil was injured during a practice session and didn't not play the Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final held between June 20 and July 5 at Antwerp, Belgium. He was replaced by Devender Walmiki in the Indian team.

"With S.V. Sunil back in the team, it automatically strengthens our front-line where now I think the opponents will have to find ways to stop us. While the attack has to be maintained we even have to earn the crucial penalty corners," Ramandeep said in a release.

India will be play their first match of the European Tour on Monday against France and Ramandeep feels Indian team needs to improve its game against a side that fought hard before losing 2-3.

"France is a tough team and they have proved that in our last clashed. But we have our strategy ready against them. The target for our match against them is to keep a good possession on the ball and score and not allow opportunities to go a waste."