Rashid hopes to remain in Zaccheroni's plans

UAE winger Saif Rashid has impressed in the two friendlies. -Courtesy UAE FA Twitter

Young UAE international Saif Rashid hopes to remain in coach Alberto Zaccheroni's plans when the country plays hosts to the AFC Asian Cup and said that it has been a learning experience during the National football team's camp in Salzburg Austria.
The Sharjah winger was called up by the Italian in a 27-man squad for the first of five camps to be held until the biggest competition in Asia takes place next January and February.
Despite the squad facing several absences due to prior club commitments and transfer dealings, Rashid has been one of the bright spots during the camp which began on August 1. After coming up with vital assists to frontmen Ali Ahmed Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil in the first friendly against SC Leogang, a club that plays in the Austrian fourth division, 24-year-old Rashid continued to impress by scoring against Italian Serie A club Udinese in another friendly.
The squad were missing talisman Omar Abdulrahman, who was given permission to sort out his club future and has since joined Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, as well as veteran goalkeeper Ali Khaseif and defenders Mohammed Sabeel, Fares Juma and Abdulaziz Sanqour.
"I'm thrilled to be called up to the camp and it is a great opportunity for me," said Rashid, who scored the second goal after Khalil's penalty, as the UAE won 2-0.
"I've been waiting for the chance and I've learnt a lot being with the group as well as from the coach. They have been very encouraging and it has given me the confidence and the motivation to do more. I hope I can continue to make a mark and play in the AFC Asian Cup," he added.
Meanwhile, the UAE will play another friendly against Austrian club SC Mittersill before an international friendly against Andorra on Saturday. The squad will return to the UAE on Sunday.
james@khaleejtimes.com