When Jussi Jaaskelainen sustained a back injury in the final months of last season, Ali Al-Habsi was thrust into the Premier League limelight for the first real time.
Having acted as an extremely able deputy for the reliable Finn in his first two seasons in English football, the Oman international rose to prominence with a string of world class saves as Bolton secured their status in the Barclays Premier League for the eighth consecutive campaign.
Following on from his heroics in the UEFA Cup match in Munich, Al-Habsi was instrumental in the club's five-game unbeaten end to the season, with notable performances against Middlesbrough and Chelsea.
The official website caught up with the 26-year-old to find out how he is adjusting to life in England and his major recollections from the 2007/08 season.
Ali, you got your first real break in Gary Megson's side towards the end of last season and you impressed many people in the footballing industry. Were there any key matches or incidents which stood out for you?
We have an excellent work rate here at Bolton and everyone in the team worked very hard to help us stay up. I played the last ten games and was very pleased with my performances - we all played a big part.
The game in Munich was one of the best games for me last season. They weren't an easy side to play against but it was a vital game for myself as people realised then what I could do. I was very proud of my performance and honoured to be named Man of the Match.
In your time in England, what have you found the key ingredient to be in forging a successful career?
At Bolton we all work very hard and train very thoroughly. I work with Fred Barber who helps me so much and all of the backroom staff always make sure we have the right amount of recovery and rest. It is difficult but it is essential if you want to be the best.
As the first Omani to represent your country in the Barclays Premier League, how honoured are you by that achievement?
I would like to see lots of Omani footballers playing in Europe and in the Premier League - it would be great for the country. It is very flattering and makes me so proud. I think the Premier League is the best league in the world and it is a massive honour to play here.
I do not let the big names intimidate me as I'm just happy for the opportunity to play in the Premier League and I enjoy having the chance to play against them.
There are not that many Omanis in Europe. Has it been difficult for you being so far away from your countrymen and your home?
I found it very difficult for the first two years but now I am settled and enjoy my life here. My family have always supported me and I first moved away from home when I was 17-years-old so I have had a lot of time to adjust.
I miss my family and friends a lot but I am married now and have a baby daughter and they are here in Bolton with me and this is my new life now and my wife and I support each other completely. It is hard at times being so far from home and isn't easy but we have our life and our future together so we want to work hard now for the next ten years in Europe and be successful and then we will return to Muscat.
The people in Bolton have always been very friendly, helpful and welcoming to me. They really helped me to settle in and feel part of the town.
There are huge cultural differences between living in England and the Middle East. How has that affected your lifestyle?
It has not been difficult at all. Bolton has a big Muslim community and the club are very supportive of my religion and I have everything I need. I am very happy and I have never once felt away from my religion.
