Al Habsi focused on Stoke game

Al Habsi focused on Stoke game

Published May. 19, 2011 7:15 p.m. ET

Al Habsi will make the final appearance of his loan spell in Sunday's decisive final Premier League match at Stoke. The 29-year-old could be in demand this summer after an outstanding season at the DW Stadium, but his only immediate concern is the relegation battle. Al Habsi, speaking after being named as Wigan's player of the year, told the club's official website: "That is all about the gaffer, the chairman and the people at Bolton. "I have been very happy until now but I have one more game. "I have to give 200%. This is maybe the biggest game in the history of Wigan Athletic and we will be ready for it. "This football club is fantastic and they deserve to be in the Premier League. "The gaffer and the staff, the players - they work hard every day. "In the end I think we can do it on Sunday." Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland began the season as Roberto Martinez's first choice but was dropped after conceding 10 goals in the opening two games. Al Habsi took over and retained his place, grabbing a chance he had been waiting for after four years as Jussi Jaaskelainen's understudy at Bolton. He said: "I had confidence in myself that I could play in the Premier League but I didn't have that chance to show myself. "At this club the gaffer gave me that chance and I am happy because I didn't let him down." Reflecting on his award, he added: "When I signed for this football club I said I would give 100%. I did that and you see what you get in the end. "I try to give 100% in training, in games, in every single minute. In the end when you get awards like this I feel so happy. "Maybe this is the start for myself. I have to work hard, give more to everybody."

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