ALI AL HABSI insists he is patiently waiting for the opportunity to make his Barclays Premier League debut - almost two years to the day since he joined the Club.

Since his arrival, the Omani international has had to be content with making sporadic appearances in the cup competitions as he has found Jussi Jaaskelainen to be in top form.

But the 26 year-old shot stopper is confident that if he bides his time, he will get an opportunity to make his long-awaited league debut.

He said: "I know that it would be very hard to play with the first team because of Jussi Jaaskelainen.

"He is the top keeper in the Premier League and has had ten years with Bolton. It's not that easy for me but I just have to concentrate and keep trying all the time. Every chance I get, I must take."

Until Saturday's game against Sheffield United at the Reebok Stadium, Al-Habsi's appearances for Wanderers have come away from home, including his marvellous display in Munich.

He added: "These are the only chances I have had so far - in the cups.

"I have to think about the Premier League. I've played in the Carling Cup, in Europe and now in the FA Cup but playing for the first team in the Premier League is not that easy. But you never know. Maybe Jussi has a bad time or gets injured.

"All the time I have to be patient. I am happy with what I am doing now.

"I just have to keep concentrating and take my chances when they come."