U23 players need to be nurtured, not rushed

Although the team performed exceptionally, some have yet to make mark at their clubs and hence the 'golden generation' need more time.

Left to right: Mohammed Fawzi, Yousif Abdulrehman, Mohammed Jamal, Mohammed Ahmed, Ahmed Khalil, Abdulaziz Heikal, Abdulaziz Sankor, Ahmed Ali, Amer Abdulrahman and Omar Abdulrahman.

Fahad Ali, the former national team captain and now a member of the UAE coaching staff, has urged caution over the calls to fast-track members of the Under 23 Gulf Cup side to the full team. Six of Mahdi Ali's winning side have already been capped at senior level and there are calls for Srecko Katanec, the national coach, to blood more players from the "golden generation" ahead of the Asian Cup in Qatar in January.

"It is really good to have so many youngsters knocking at the door to get into the senior national team, and most of them will make it sooner or later," said Ali. "But we must not jump to any conclusions. It is a different ball game when it comes to the senior side. Let's give them more time and pick the really good ones. "Some of them have also to get a regular call-up to their club line-up. But this is a good development we see and the youth are our future.

"Like everyone else, I am impressed by this team's progress over the years. Some of the players have already made it to the senior squad, and many more will be considered over a period of time. They need to keep working hard." Ahmed Khalil, the striker, is certain to be part of Katanec's plans. The powerfully-built 19-year-old was earmarked for stardom two years ago when he was named Asian Young Player of the Year and he burnished his reputation by netting five goals in four games in the Gulf Cup triumph. Ahmed is the younger brother of Faisal, the UAE and Al Ahli striker, and it was actually Faisal's injury that provided Ahmed the opportunity to play for his club in the Pro League. He has not looked back since.

Amer Abdulrahman and Theyab Awana are first-choice players for Baniyas and both have made appearances in the senior national team. Awana had to sit out the last two games after picking up an injury, and his place in the side was filled by Ahmed Ali, the youngster from Al Wahda. Amer Abdulrahman, the centre midfielder, picked up two man-of-the-match awards in four games at the Gulf Cup and forged a productive partnership with Ahmed Khalil, creating three of the five goals the Ahli striker scored. He looks set to replicate that partnership with Khalil in the senior side.

Meanwhile, Yousif Abdulrehman, the goalkeeper, is widely tipped to take over the No 1 jersey in Katanec's team. Al Ain, his club side, rate him so highly they tied him to a five-year contract last season. "These players have given us new hope," said Munther Abdulla, a television analyst for Abu Dhabi Sports. "I can't remember any UAE team being together for so long. These lads have stuck together as a unit and continue to impress. They have shown high technical skills and are playing as a cohesive unit compared to other teams from the Gulf.

"They have been together for more than six years, and it is one of the main reasons for the success they had so far. It is not only playing as a team for a long time, the important thing is that have improved all the time. "Some of them are already in the senior national team and I would like to think many will follow in their path. There is absolutely no hurry to rush them. But these lads can keep some of the senior players on their toes."

Hamdan al Kamali, 20, who captained the team in the U20 World Cup in Egypt last year, was not part of the Gulf Cup-winning side as he is already an established member of Katanec's squad. "It is a wise decision, because Hamdan is one of the best defenders we have and he has a bigger role to play in the senior national team," said Abdulla. @Email:[e-mail]