Ali Targets Wanderers Starting Role

By Mark Heys
July 5 2006

Ali Al-Habsi is determined to put the disappointments of last season behind him and challenge Jussi Jaaskelainen for the Bolton goalkeeping spot.

The highly rated Oman international has admitted that he found his lack of first team action hard to bear when moving over from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo in the January transfer window.

Now he is hoping that his efforts with goalkeeping coach Fred Barber in the pre-season break will help to convince manager Sam Allardyce to choose him ahead of Jaaskelainen and former England keeper Ian Walker.

Speaking to digital satellite channell Sky Sports News in one of his first english interviews, the one time Arab player of the year holder said that he is ready and able to accept the challenge that lies ahead.

"Last season I came here in the middle of the season and it was difficult for me to have a position in the team. This season everyone starts at the same level, It will be a big challenge of course and I know in my mind that I have to work hard to get the position.

"This challenge is one of the most important in my professional life but I think I am ready for it. I had a fantastic holiday with my family in Oman so I come here with my mind clean just for football and like I said, I'm ready for it."