The Wigan Athletic keeper, who has played a key role in the club's fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League, will be a spectator when Oman meets Senegal in a decisive qualifying play-off in Coventry tonight since all qualifiers feature under-23 players only.

The fixture decides who takes the final place in the Olympic football tournament this summer, the draw for which takes place tomorrow – and Al-Habsi (pictured) is keeping his fingers crossed.

"Senegal will be very strong and have some big players," he said.

"If we qualify, it is up to the manager if I play but it would be a dream to play in the Olympics Games.

"It will be fun for it to be in London.

"It would be a big thing for our country if we could get to the Olympic Games because it is something we have never done before, so this young team could make history.

"Football is becoming bigger and bigger in Oman."

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March 2012: Oman and Senegal compete for London 2012 qualification in Coventry playoff