Al Habsi to play against Latics

by Setanta Staff , 14 February 2012 Al Habsi to play against Latics

Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi is set to line-up against the Latics as he is likely to play for Oman in a friendly later this week.


The club, who are not involved in the FA Cup, have taken advantage of a free weekend to fly out to the Arabian Peninsular for some warm-weather training and a game against the host nation.

However, Al Habsi, as captain of his country, is set to feature in opposition to Roberto Martinez's side for the first visit of a Barclays Premier League club.

"I've spoken to lots of people back home about the visit and there are so many people looking forward to seeing Wigan, a Premier League team, arrive in our country," Al Habsi told wiganlatics.co.uk.

"It's the first time a team from England have visited the country and hopefully if all goes well it could be the first of many visits in the future. It will be a big occasion for Oman as we've got some crucial international matches coming up at the end of the month and the preparation for them is important.

"We have a qualifying game for the Olympics and a World Cup qualifier against Thailand this month that we have to win to stand a chance of progressing in each competition.

"And I'm the captain of my national side so I can't let people see me playing against them can I?"

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