The 24-year-old central defender impressed Heart staff but faced a battle to oust Simon Colosimo and Michael Beauchamp for a starting slot.

"Gouramangi made a real impression on the coaching staff throughout his trial with the club, showing great spirit and character in the way he conducted himself," head coach John van't Schip told Heart's official website.

"Gouramangi would have been competing with the likes of Michael Beauchamp, who was magnificent against Serbia at the FIFA World Cup, and Simon Colosimo for a place in the starting side, which is a tough task for any player.

"With this in mind and Gouramanghi's need to be playing regular football leading into the Asian Cup, clearly it's best for him to spend time preparing with the Indian national team."

Van 't Schip is confident Gouramangi has a bright future.

"Mangi has been a tremendous ambassador for Indian football throughout his time at the club, and we would like to wish him all the best for his future endeavours," he added.

"I will certainly look forward to watching 'Mangi taking to the field in Qatar when India face the Qantas Socceroos during the upcoming Asian Cup and we will certainly continue to track his progress and that of other Indian footballers."

* Meanwhile former Oakleigh Cannons star midfielder Nick Kalmar has become Melbourne Heart's 19th player after signing a one-year deal.

A member of Altona Magic's triumphant back to back VPL championship sides in 2008 and 2009, 22 year-old Kalmar has built on his recent achievements by impressing van't Schip during the 2010 season with his guile and technical quality in the midfield.

The Heart coach believes Kalmar will provide the club's squad with important added depth to the club's creative midfield stocks during the upcoming season.

"The Melbourne Heart coaching staff has spent a great deal of time watching the VPL so far this season. Of the many impressive young players, it was Nick who impressed me the most," he said.

"In a professional environment, I really think he can grow in to a quality player in Australia and play a very important role for us this season."

Van ‘t Schip added: "Nick has been training with the Club for some time, which has also given him a great chance to prove to us that he deserves a chance and has the capacity to make the leap to the Hyundai A-League.

"Importantly, we would also like to thank the Oakleigh Cannons for their role in ensuring Nick has been able to pursue his dream and play at the elite level."

Kalmar will join Melbourne Heart FC once his immediate duties with Oakleigh Cannons are complete.