New Egypt head coach Ali Maher has spoken out about Haissem Hassan's recent omission from Celtic's squad, urging the winger to work hard and persevere after a mixed start to his time in Glasgow.
Hassan was a top target for Martin O'Neill's side last summer, with Celtic tracking the wide man since his standout display in the last 16 of the World Cup against Argentina. The Glasgow club secured his signature with a £6million agreement with Real Oviedo, but the 24-year-old has yet to establish himself as a guaranteed starter.
Omission from Kilmarnock squad
O'Neill went a step further in the narrow 1-0 win over Kilmarnock as Hassan failed to even make the matchday squad. Jota and Camilo Duran started in wide areas with Kasper Hogh leading the line, while James Forrest, Yang and Sebastian Tounekti came off the bench. Callum Osmand also appeared as a substitute to play on the flank.
O'Neill put the decision down to competition for places, but during the international break, Hassan will have a chance to impress again.
Egypt call-up and Maher's message
Hassan has joined the Egypt squad to face Malawi in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on November 13 and 17, with Maher taking charge for the first time following Hossam Hassan's departure.
Speaking to media in Egypt, Maher addressed Hassan's situation and threw down the gauntlet to the out-of-favour attacker: "I want the players to work hard and persevere. I stress that the national team's door is open to all players. Joining the national team is the best honour among Egyptian football players."
He added: "I have full confidence in the players and hope that they will form a distinguished generation capable of fulfilling the aspirations of Egyptian fans. I want them to give their utmost effort in the coming period."
O'Neill's stance on competition
Speaking after the win over Kilmarnock, the veteran Parkhead boss said: "How is (Hassan)? We're trying to do, as much as possible, we're trying to do a bit of manoeuvring at this minute. I just think it'll be great for places. If there's proper competition for places, it can only make us better."
