Albion’s rock-solid defensive linchpin Adam El-Abd has been called up to the Egypt squad as the country’s coach Bob Bradley looks to build towards a World Cup qualifier with Mozambique next month.
The Brighton born and bred defender qualifies for the African country through his dad and has previously spoken of his ambition to force his way into the Pharaohs line-up.
Back in 2005 he said, “It’s always been a dream for me to play for Egypt,” and it now looks certain he will get his chance after being named in the 30-man squad.
The Seagulls’ number six has played 259 for his hometown side since breaking into the first team in a 2-1 win at Notts County in November 2003.
El-Abd is not the only Albion star to get international recognition this week. Craig Mackail-Smith was called up to the Scotland squad to play the USA in Florida on May 26.