Al Habsi - Latics need good start

Ali Al Habsi: Wigan goalkeeper looking forward to a successful campaign with Latics

Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi hopes the summer break will help propel a rejuvenated Latics off to a jet-heeled start to the season.

The Oman international was given an extended break due to his international commitments over the summer.

Despite the limited resources available to boss Roberto Martinez, the Wigan chief has always done his best to engineer competition for places within his squad.

And it is that very competition which Al Habsi believes will help Wigan get off to a winning start to the campaign.

Competition

"That feel-good factor is still very strong and with the lads all looking fresh after a summer break, we're very hopeful that we can get off to the right start," he told the club's official website.

"The gaffer has always worked really hard to keep a high level of competition in the squad in every position."

Al-Habsi enjoys a unique relationship with his fellow goalkeepers at the club and he insists he retains his focus out of fear of losing his place.

He added: "It's no different for the goalkeepers, and if anything it's maybe a little more intense because there can be two or three of us challenging for just one place knowing that the slightest mistake could cost you your place in the side, or worse a result on pitch; that drives us to perform day in day out."