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Last Updated: Monday, 4 July, 2005, 09:44 GMT 10:44 UK
Oman keeper makes Bolton switch
Oman keeper Ali Al Habsi
Keeper Habsi has a solid reputation in Norway
Bolton have completed a deal for Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal but will finish the Norwegian season with Lyn Oslo before arriving in October.

He said: "My dream has finally come true. I've always wanted to play in the Premiership and it is very special that Bolton want me to play for them.

"With my strong ambition and Bolton's desire to be a top club in Europe, the partnership fits perfectly."

Habsi will be the first goalkeeper from Asia to play in the Premiership and he admits the move is a big step.

"This is a big deal for the history of Arabian and Asian football," he said.

Habsi was voted the best keeper in Norway last season and won the same accolade at the last two Gulf Cups.

Ali has a massive presence in front of goal
Sam Allardyce

And he has vowed to dislodge Jussi Jaaskelainen as the number one goalkeeper at the Reebok Stadium.

He added: "My ambition is to be Bolton's first choice. This move will give my career a big push forward.

"It is a great thing because the Premier League is the best division in the world."

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce said he was very satisfied with his new signing.

He told the club's website: "We've been monitoring his development for quite some time.

"I am delighted that he has selected us ahead of a number of other high profile clubs who were keen to sign him.

"Ali has a massive presence in front of goal and will add much needed competition in a key area for us.

"He aspires to be a great keeper in the Premiership and we'll certainly give him the platform he needs to become a respected player in the best league in the world."


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