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Reading vs Bolton Wanderers: Played for both Clubs - Ali Al-Habsi

A look at former Bolton 'keeper Ali Al-Habsi.

Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Ali Al-Habsi, born 30th December 1981, started his career in his homeland of Oman at the age of 17. After spells with Al-Midhaibi and Al-Nasr, Al-Habsi moved to Norway to join Lyn Oslo in 2003.

Following the move to Norway, Al-Habsi became the first Omani international to play in Europe. In 2004, Lyn Oslo were runners up in the Norwegian cup, while Al-Habsi was crowned Norwegian Goalkeeper of the year.

In January 2006, after 64 appearances for Lyn Oslo, Al-Habsi moved to Bolton Wanderers.

It wouldn't be until the 2007/2008 season when Ali Al-Habsi would make his debut. Under the brief stewardship of Sammy Lee, Al-Habsi made his debut in a 2-1 victory against Fulham FC in the League Cup.

It would be a night in Munich, playing at the Allianz arena against Bayern Munich in the UEFA cup, that would be Al-Habsi's defining moment as a Bolton player.

Coming in for first choice goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen, and playing with a defence of Gerald Cid, Andy O'Brien, Lubomir Michalik and Gavin McCann, Al-Habsi pulled off some world class saves, helping Bolton to a 2-2 draw.

Al-Habsi also played an important part that season in keeping Bolton in the Premier League, following an injury to Jaaskelainen.

Despite impressive performances in the 2007/2008 season, Al-Habsi failed to take the number one spot from Jussi, and after two years sat on the bench, Al-Habsi moved to Wigan Athletic on loan. In total for Bolton, Al-Habsi played 18 times.

After a successful loan spell for the Latics, Al-Habsi made the move permanent in 2011, for a fee of £4 million. Whilst playing at the DW broke his leg stadium, Al-Habsi became the first Middle Eastern player to win the FA cup. Al-Habsi didn't play in the 1-0 win over Manchester City though, having been replaced as first choice 'keeper by Joel Robles.

Wigan then 'sadly' were relegated to the Championship. Al-Habsi would play second choice to Scott Carson. A loan spell to Brighton & Hove Albion followed, before Al-Habsi was released in the summer of 2015. In total, Ali Al-Habsi played 154 times for Wigan.

Al-Habsi signed for this weekend's opponents Reading FC in July. Al-Habsi has so far played 10 games for Reading this season.