Khalil has a point to prove

DUBAI // Faisal Khalil is on a high these days. He has just won the Pro League title with Al Ahli, playing an integral part in the campaign despite a number of injury breaks. His impressive performances, which included nine goals, have earned him a recall to the national side, ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Germany and two 2010 World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Iran.

Khalil was last called up in September, but was forced to leave the training camp due to personal reasons and injuries. Back in the team, the striker is hoping to carry his club form on to the international stage. "It is good to be back with the national and I am returning at a very good time," he said. "Last time unfortunately I got injured. Now I am feeling good, physically and mentally. We have just won the league title and I hope we can achieve success with the national team as well.

"I wanted to return at a time when I could help the national team, and I feel I am ready to do that. I missed playing for the country and now that I am back, I want to win some matches." Khalil could be playing as the lone marksmen for UAE in the three games as Ismail Matar has been ruled out and he is looking forward to the challenge. "Germany are one of the strongest teams in the world and we could learn a lot from them," he said. "There are many young players and these games will really help them in their growth. Playing against a great side like Germany will help them to improve. It will be good for the future of UAE football."

Talking about the last two qualifiers against South Korea and Iran, Khalil added: "We are out of the running, but we will try to make it difficult for the other teams. We want to compensate for the past performances." arizvi@thenational.ae