By Mark Heys
January 31 2007

Ali Al-Habsi has won the Gulf Cup's best goalkeeper award for the third year in succession after helping Oman to the final against host nation United Arab Emirates. The Bolton keeper conceded just four goals throughout the whole of the competition but was unable to help his country to success in the final as the UAE ran out winners on their home soil.

Speaking about the competition, the 25-year old was downhearted at losing a second final in three years but remained defiant about the future of his country in the competition.

"Thank God for this award. However, the big reward would have been winning the title." said Al-Habsi after the final

"The defeat is very hard on us because it's the second consecutive final defeat. Two years ago we played against Qatar and we lost in front of their fans and this year it was the same.

"All I can say is that we are not lucky and congratulations to the UAE national team. At the end of the day this is football and maybe in the next competition in Oman the title will be ours."

Al-Habsi will now fly back to the England to link up with the Wanderers squad as they anticipate a busy spell of the season, with matches in the league and cup coming thick and fast.