Oman's Al Habsi suffering Bolton bench blues

BANGKOK, July 16 (Reuters) Omani goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi says he loves being with an English Premier League club, but is desperate for first-team soccer after 18 months warming the Bolton Wanderers substitutes' bench.

Al Habsi, who became the first Omani to play in Europe when he lined up for Norway's FC Lyn in 2003, said things were ''perfect'' at Bolton, but that he might have to look elsewhere to help his career.

''I'm not looking to leave, but I'd love to play for another Premier League team, or maybe even play in the (second division) Championship,'' a drenched Al Habsi told Reuters after a rain-soaked training session at the Asian Cup.

''I just need more games and maybe need to go on loan for a while,'' added the Omani giant, who at 1.94 metres is the tournament's tallest player.

Al Habsi joined Bolton in January 2006 and has been second choice behind Jussi Jaaskelainen, who has been at the club for 10 years.

He rates the Finn as one of the best in the English top flight and says he is proving difficult to dislodge.

''Jaaskelainen is a great keeper, he makes no mistakes,'' he said. ''I've learned so much from him, but it's difficult to take his place.

''If I get a chance to go and clubs are interested in signing me, I'll have to look at it, but I'm happy at Bolton and I like living here.'' Al Habsi will play for Oman against Iraq in Bangkok today in their final Group A match of the Asian Cup.

Thailand, Iraq, Oman and Australia all have a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals from the tournament's tightest group.

REUTERS BJR HT1558