Right-back Mohammed Fawzi has thanked Al Ain boss Zlatko Dalic for the jolt which has made him first-choice for club and country.
Fawzi, 25, endured an injury-plagued first campaign with the Boss after being injured on debut in August 2014.
The signing from Bani Yas made only seven Arabian Gulf League appearances for the champions and missed out on UAE selection for January’s Asian Cup because of the knee problem.
But he has rebounded this term, hard work during pre-season being rewarded by usurping Mohamed Ahmed at domestic and international level.
“Coach [Dalic] is one of the best in any team and he has pushed me hard to play,” Fawzi said. “Inshallah, I will do all my best.
“I am still not as fit as I want, but I try to be with the starting XI in the field. That makes me most happy and to fight to be with the UAE
national team, always.
– UAE: Ahmed Khalil named AFC Player of the Year
– SHARE, RATE, WIN: Sport360 ValoraFutbol
– Follow: Live footballs scores around the world
“I hope inshallah, I will do what I want and we will go to the 2018 World Cup.”
Fawzi was at his best during Saturday’s resounding 3-0 top-flight win at title rivals Al Nasr, smashing in a 25-yard half-volley. For the versatile player though, this was nothing out of the ordinary.
He said: “This was a normal goal for me. I have scored better than this goal when I was with the national team.
“I hope this goal puts me back in good shape and we will see if I can do better in the next game.”
Al Ahli are up next for the Boss, with the resurgent AFC Champions League finalists boasting a 100 per cent top-flight record in 2015-16.
“It was good for us to beat Al Nasr, because we also have a strong game against Al Ahli,” Fawzi said.
“Inshallah, we will win every game we play.”
