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Oman coach Paul Le Guen told Al Habsi on Sunday he would lead his nation out in tonight’s crucial World Cup qualifier against the Socceroos at Sydney's ANZ Stadium. 

Oman are desperate for points after a lacklustre start to their campaign and with Al Habsi captaining his nation for the first time, it’s hoped this will boost the side’s appetite for battle.

“Maybe it’s a little more pressure for me as I have to be the most experienced player tomorrow,” he said. "I hope I’ll handle this. To be a leader for the national team is not easy.

"But I’m full of confidence."

The 29-year-old star played down expectations after his nation had given the Socceroos all kinds of trouble in their last three matches since the Asian Cup in 2007.

Now it's a vastly less experienced side, he noted.

“I think this game will be different to the last three games we’ve played against Australia. In 2007 we did a great game and were leading until the 93rd minute when Cahill scored.

“And we played them in Asian Cup qualifiers in Melbourne and Muscat in 2009.

“Now we have many different players especially from the Olympic team. But it’s not enough experience. Before we were a stronger team; stronger than now and fitter,” he said in an accent that betrays his five years in England.

“But we are a young team, coming from Olympic to the senior team I hope the players will be 100 percent concentrated.

"Because when you play with a team like Australia you have to concentrate for 95 minutes.”

Al Habsi also confirmed that Ramadan had affected Oman’s performances so far in their earlier round three World Cup qualifiers.

“It’s really hard, you don’t eat for 14-17 hours then you go to training and play games, so it’s really hard for us," he said. "And also players in the Gulf are not fit yet. They have not training with their teams.

“But to be honest the team is now more organised, fitter and to be honest this game we can do something. When your team is fit, you can do something.

“The experience of the Australian team is far better than ours. But in the end I think myself and the team we believe we can do a fantastic game. It’s going to be very tight.”

Al Habsi could be the player who single-handedly repels all Socceroo raids. If that happens it could be a very frustrating night for the home side, just as many EPL teams have found over the last year.

Al Habsi joined Bolton in 2006 but with Jussi Jaaskelainen ensconced as club number one, the tall Omani made just ten league appearances for the Trotters. 

In 2010 he went out on loan and made his Latics debut in the 1-0 win at Tottenham. He kept eight EPL clean sheets in all - including a fabulous performance in the final game of the season as Wigan avoided relegation courtesy of a tense 1-0 win at Stoke.

Now, after signing with Roberto Martinez’s side - where he won the club’s player of the year for last season - the giant shot-stopper’s profile is increasing.

It’s a special week for Al Habsi,too. Not only is he going to lead out his nation but when he flies back  to England, he plays his former club Bolton.

However, he said that game was not on his mind right now as he surveyed ANZ Stadium’s imposing 83,000 seats and declared himself impressed with the venue.

“Especially when you play at a stadium like this, a beautiful stadium, this is the moment to show yourself," he said. "It’s a fantastic moment for all the new players who will play.

“For us maybe it’s our last chance to go through our group.”


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