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AL BATTLE FOR MY PLACE

Posted on: Thu 26 Aug 2010

Al Habsi ready happy with debut and eager to make team for Tottenham clash

After an impressive display away to Hartlepool United in the Carling Cup, Ali Al Habsi is hoping to give Manager Roberto Martinez some selection headaches ahead of Saturday's league clash away to Tottenham.

"We have re-produce the levels of concentration we showed against Hartlepool, and make sure we go into Saturday's game against Tottenham with the same professional attitude," said Al Habsi.

"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."

It was a inch-perfect debut for the on-loan stopper, keeping a clean-sheet and pulling off a fantastic save early on to prevent the home side equalising and providing him with a massive personal boost;

"I was happy with that one, but it wasn't important just for me it was vital for the team at that point in the game.

"At 1-0 up anything can still happen and so to keep them out was important for how the game flowed and I'm happy to have been on hand for the team.

"Sometimes in games you go long periods without having to be called into action, so it's important then when you are needed that you step-up and do your bit.

"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.

"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."

Finally Al Habsi gave a quick word to another player who made his debut at Victoria Park, Steven Caldwell, who helped bring stability and confidence to the back-four;

"Steve is a great defender and we're all delighted he's come on board. He's a leader and will fight for the team all day long, and that's the kind of spirit we need in the team for every game."