Chris Kirkland has not had the best of starts to this season, conceeding ten goals in just two games, he picked up from where he left off last season after conceeding eight against Chelsea in the final game of the season.
Now, Bolton loanee, Al-Habsi is set to be a genuine rival to the number one shirt at the club, and given his impressive display against Hartlepool, he could well make the team for the game with Tottenham at the weekend.
Kirkland conceeded nine goals in the same fixture last season and Al-Habsi is keen to show the Wigan supporters just what he can do as he aims to earn a permenant move to the DW Stadium.
He told the club's official website: "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.
"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.
"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."