Although the Omani International didn't feature last season, Al Habsi has been a vital part of Wanderers' squad providing healthy competition to Jussi Jaaskelainen in the goalkeeping department.

The Omani international proved his worth as a tremendous goalkeeper when he came into the team following Jussi Jaaskelainen's back injury in March 2008. Prior to this, Wanderers fans only had glimpses of just how brilliant the goalkeeper is - including his stunning performance against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup.

During January 2009 when the rest of his club colleagues were pitting their wits against Arsenal and Manchester United in the Premier League, Al Habsi was away on international duty in his homeland, aiming to be part of the first Oman side ever to lift the Gulf Cup. And after an epic penalty shoot-out victory over Saudi Arabia in the final, it represented a dream come true for the popular goalkeeper.

He was voted goalkeeper of the tournament and on returning back to England with his winners' medal, he said: "I don't think it could have gone any better and it's the fourth time that I have won the best goalkeeper of the tournament. But this is why I work so hard - I'm really proud for myself.

"All the players are especially happy because this group have been together for six years and we really wanted to win something for the country. The Gulf Cup is really important for people in the area, and so for the people of Oman it was like winning the World Cup."

Prior to his exploits at the Gulf Cup, Al Habsi penned an extended deal with Bolton, one which will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2013.

ALI IS SPONSORED BY STEPHEN & LOUISE FISH