Kolkata giants East Bengal received a shot in the arm on Monday when Brazilian striker Gilmar signed for them to play in the ongoing seventh National Football League.

Indian Football Association joint secretary Ranjit Gupta said the modalities of the player's transfer to the red and yellow brigade were complete.

The mid-20 striker had played Italian league in the last season.

In addition to Gilmar, East Bengal will also have the services of Tamil Nadu striker K Kulothungan when they take on defending champions Mohun Bagan on December 8, as the player's four-match suspension is over.

Kulothungan was suspended for a year and penalised Rs 10,000 by the All-Manipur Football Association disciplinary committee for indiscipline and unruly behaviour in a quarter-final match between Manipur and Tamil Nadu in the Santosh Trophy in Imphal in October end.

But All India Football Federation's disciplinary committee reduced the punishment to four matches only. The Tamil Nadu striker could not play in East Bengal's play-off final against Mohammedan Sporting and three NFL matches.

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