Ali Al Habsi could be the first Arabian Gulf soccer player to make a breakthrough into the English Premier League. Transferred to Bolton Wanderers in 2005 he served his time with the reserves and now seems to have a shot at becoming Bolton’s number one goalkeeper. After being bought from FC Lyn Oslo, where he was voted Norway’s Goalkeeper of the Year twice, he finally played some first team matches recently, and helped Bolton earn a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich last week. His full time debut was made in September with a 2-1 extra time Carling Cup win over Fulham. His chances increased even more recently with first choice goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen turning down a contract extension offer.

Ali Al-Habsi was quoted saying: "Maybe the fact that I was named best player in Norway for two consecutive seasons was the main reason for my transfer to the English Premiership. I had strong offers from Manchester City and Bolton. All these things made me keen to join this league because it is the strongest in the world and every player wants to play here. If there is interest from Bolton to extend my contract, I'll be very pleased, very, very happy because I am really settled here at Bolton whether with regards to family, training or everything around me."