Rami Shaaban finally made his mind up over his international football career, when he was announced as part of Sweden's World Cup squad. EP spoke to the goalkeeper, who expressed his happiness at being called up. He also suggested that the choice was easy, as there was no contact at all from the Egyptian FA.

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Rami Shaaban told EP: "I don't know where to start to be honest. It has been a hectic few days for me after the press conference when I was announced in the Sweden squad for the World Cup. I'm one of three keepers to go and I assume that I'm the second choice after Andreas Isaksson who plays for Rennes in France."

Shaaban has been busy with media attention lately and said, "There have been phone calls from media, friends and the Swedish F.A and so maybe you can understand how big this is. I am the only player in the Norwegian top division who will play in the World Cup, so that makes the Norwegian press even more eager to speak to me."

The former Arsenal keeper was not expecting this call-up, but feels that his performances have merited the attention he is getting. "I was surprised to be picked, but I'm not going to apologise for my place because I feel I'm worth it," he told EP. "Okay, it came a bit faster than I thought, considering I haven't played competitive games for a long time, but I have done well in the seven games I have played for Fredrikstad," he continued.