Shabaan's debut postponed

Shabaan's debut postponed

Date: 18-1-2003
Wrote: EP's webmaster

Rami Shabaan didn't feature with his new side as he stayed on bench during the game. The other keeper Bywater started instead and was named as the Man of the match after his superb performance.

Shabaan arrived at West Ham club last Friday and so he wasn't expected to feature in Saturday's English First division encounter against Sheffield united.

The away game ended in a 3-3 draw and Shabaan's teammate goalkeeper Bywater was named as the man of the match after his excellent performance during the match. Bywater also succeeded in stopping a penalty kick during the encounter.

It is uncertain now whether Rami will play in Saturday's FA Cup 4th round match at Wolverhampton or not.

Aside from this, Rami made some comments regarding his signing for West Ham:

"I am delighted to come, especially to get the chance of some games after my injury," he says.

"West Ham is a big London club so it is perfect for me because it is a good chance to get back and have the chance to play again - so I am very happy.

"You never know what will happen; I am here on loan and we will see what happens after that."

"Football changes very fast; this morning I didn't know I was going to West Ham, five minutes before I was going to training the boss told me he wanted to speak with me and said that West Ham wanted me on loan," he reveals.

"I haven't even met the lads - I am looking forward to meeting them and we will take it from there, but this is perfect for me."

Regarding the competition with the other keeper Bywater, Rami added:

"Exactly; that is the way it should be at a big club like West Ham or Arsenal - at Highbury there is very good competition as well," he smiles.

As for the broken leg which hampered his progress at Arsenal, he added:

"Yes, of course it was frustrating but I am well over the injury, which was my first major one in football.

"You have to deal with these things - and I am a stronger person for it."

Discuss the latest about Egyptian soccer in EP forums
Read Egyptianplayers.com reports on Rami Shaaban in Professionals page 2
Read older reports on Rami in Rami Shaaban's page
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