IT WILL be a proud moment for the family of Reading FC goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi if the Royals secure promotion to the top-flight this season.
Reading are within touching distance of shot at returning to the Premier League, needing just one point from their two remaining games to guarantee themselves a spot in the Championship play-offs.
The moment would be even sweeter for 35-year-old shot-stopper Al-Habsi, after his brothers secured promotion to professional football in their native Oman.
His family have played a big part in Al-Mudhaibi's rise up the lower leagues with his brother Anwar at the helm of the club and siblings Harib and Sultan out on the pitch.
And following a goalless draw against Al-Salem recently, the Maroons as they are known rocketed themselves into professional football. They play again today (Thursday) and could be promoted as champions.
Ali Al-Habsi's brother, Harib, also a goalkeeper, celebrates Al-Mudhaibi's promotion to the professional ranks.
Speaking about the club where his glittering career started, Al-Habsi beamed: “My parents are very happy and proud – they sent a message to me saying, ‘your brothers have done the job – it’s just you left.’
"We are very happy for them, they’ve put the pressure on me now.
“It is a fantastic moment for everyone and it will be remembered for many years. Now the club has to think about next year – every game will be shown on TV, there will be more media following the club, it will all come together.
“Today they play the final game and if they win, they will be champions. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll be watching on TV.”
The Omani goalkeeper began his career with Al-Mudhaibi and also trained as a firefighter.
One fan in the crowd donned a Reading FC shirt
He was soon spotted by Norwegian side Lyn Oslo and later played for Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.
Reminiscing on where it all began, he continued: "I spent a lot of years there when I was young – I played with the first team since the age of 16 and I was the only player from the third division to play with the national team.
“It was a nervous day last week when I was following the lads and how they was going, and at the end I was very happy. We are a small village, but it is a huge moment for everyone.”
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