Al Habsi cleared for Gulf Cup trip

Bolton manager Gary Megson has given goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi permission to represent Oman in the Gulf Cup – even though it is not a FIFA-registered tournament.

Al Habsi signed a new long-term agreement this week with a clause inserted which allows him to represent his country.

The tournament runs until January 17 but Megson has the option to recall Al Habsi if necessary.

Megson said: “This is a favour to the Oman FA and there is a stipulation the minute we click our fingers for him to come back, he comes.”