Wigan Athletic keeper Ali Al-Habsi is hoping his Carling Cup performance against Hartlepool United will earn him a first-team spot against Tottemham Hotspur this weekend.
The 28-year-old, who is on loan at the DW Stadium from Bolton Wanderers, now appears to be in the reckoning given Chris Kirkland’s horrific start to the season between the sticks conceding ten goals in two games.
Al-Habsi told the club's official website: "When I arrived at the club it was important for me to enjoy my time here and to take any chance that comes my way.
'"I was delighted to keep a clean-sheet in my first appearance for the club and I'll be doing my best in training to try and make the team for Saturday. This is a fantastic football club, the manager and the players have all made me feel very welcome and settling in has been very easy.
"The first two games were very disappointing and as a result there was pressure on the team to perform against Hartlepool, but the result and the performance will give us a lot to build on for the Tottenham game this weekend.
"Overall it was a great win and a big bonus for us to keep our first clean-sheet of the season, and it's set the standard for what we need to achieve in the league."
phil, Wigan around 1 year, 5 months ago