Saeed Al Kathiri is first-choice frontman for Al Ain

Dubai - Emenike may struggle to win back his place

 Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike faces a battle to win back his place in Al Ain's starting XI after the club's Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic confirmed forward Saeed Al Kathiri is his new first-choice frontman.
Al Kathiri scored his fifth goal in as many games - spanning the Arabian Gulf Cup (AGC) and Arabian Gulf League (AGL) - with a first-half penalty in Saturday night's 3-0 victory in the AGL at Al Nasr, where Emenike was a notable absentee with a hamstring injury.
It looks as if Emenike may have to get used to life on the sidelines too if Al Kathiri keeps up his rich vein of form, with Dalic more than satisfied with the 27-year-old's recent contributions to the Garden City club's cause. "Saeed Al Kathiri is our first striker now," Dalic said of the former Al Wahda and Wasl player. "I'm giving a chance to him because he has scored in his last five games in the Arabian Gulf Cup and the Arabian Gulf League.
"That's the most important thing and why he has been given an opportunity. I expect more of him, especially when we're in possession of the ball. He must keep it and allow time for his team-mates to come and support him.
"But, he scored a goal today (Saturday), so I'm happy and hopefully he'll continue doing so."
Dalic often finds himself having to answer questions over his tactics and team selection despite a track record of winning three domestic trophies and guiding the club to the Asian Champions League semifinals since his appointment last year.
Nonetheless, this resounding success over a likely rival for the AGL crown in the Blue Wave undoubtedly validated his considered choice in playing personnel.
"The team that does a good job and plays well in training is the best XI for me," he added. "I always try and put my best team out there on the pitch.
"I'm with my players every day and I see what's happening and who is in better form and I name my team accordingly.
"I'm very happy because we scored three goals and didn't concede today (Saturday). They did a great job.
"Three points and a 3-0 result today against a strong team like Al Nasr confirmed the choice of my team."
alex@khaleejtimes.com