Al Habsi to miss remainder of January

Last updated : 04 January 2015 By Paul Farrington

The 33 year old is the captain of Paul Le Guen's Oman team who kick off their Asia Cup action on Saturday 10th January, the same day as the Latics travel to face Birmingham,

Oman have group stage fixtures through to 17th of January when the Laitcs face Blackburn at the DW Stadium.

Should Al Habsi progress with Oman in the tournament the final is on 31st January 2015 meaning he would miss four Latics games.

The news will come as a blow to Malky Mackay as Al Habsi's FA Cup heroics gave the Latics a chance against Bolton on Saturday.

“Ali Al Habsi and our back three with their performances in the first half gave the team the spring board to go on and have a lot of the ball advanced in Bolton’s half," said Mackay.

“Ali’s saves in the first half were absolutely vital, he kept us level going into half time and I thought he was terrific. 

“He took his chance in the team very well today.  Ali’s a great guy to have around the squad and the training ground and I think his performance was brilliant.” 

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