OPINION: There are a few players around Europe that are rated highly at their clubs, which Egypt has ignored. When saying this we do however refer to the Egyptian national team, whose staff has some ambiguous decisions in its squad selection right from the start. Only 5 players from abroad have been selected.

We have to face it: there are Egyptian players out there playing in European leagues day-in day-out, showing the quality they possess. In most of Europe, there is a tough system of fixtures; most clubs in Europe have played over 18 games this season, compared to a mere 12 or 13 played by most Egyptian outfits. And the training too, which is likewise strict. Ahmed Hassan and Amir Azmy can give proof of this - for one night's worth of oversleeping Hassan was fined $20,000 while Amir missed one day of training and was fined €3,000. Surely these factors build up attributes in our players abroad that those still home may not possess to the same level.

Ayman is constantly praised for his consistency in Turkey...

An fine example of a player in Europe being overlooked is Ayman Abdelaziz. The midfielder hasn't been selected for international duty for almost 3 years, despite being constantly praised for his consistency in Turkey. Ayman has been playing in Europe for years, and what is especially commendable is that he plays in Turkey - where coping with pressure from fans and media is paramount. This is exactly what's needed for the national team at such a fragile time of underachievement. To add to this, Ayman has been on the shortlist of many teams around Europe including Lens. Not only is that impressive in itself, but it also tells us that his style of play is apparently suited to the French League and a club filled with Africans. It is suggested that he has had a problem with his passport though, but surely something can be done about that to get him playing.

PAOK fans see Shikabala as Abdelsatar Sabry's successor...

It doesn't stop there; where is Shikabala? This lad is a star in Greece. He has been described as "crazy" for his great effort during games - just two weeks ago giving two unselfish assists (pushing away a stereotype that some have) as well as a header onto the crossbar which was turned into a goal. A PAOK fan comments, "Shikabala is being worshiped like a God here. In every newspaper all they talk about is Shikabala." It is not difficult to see that he can add much needed pace to the national team, and if he doesn't get international experience now when will he get it? He showed in the Youth World Cup that he has the potential to impress; he was one of the only Egyptians that caught eyes in the tournament. What's more he will add a new option or dimension to the squad, like that of Abdelsatar Sabry. All PAOK fans still remember Sabry and see Shikabala as his successor. Remember Abdelsatar Sabry a few years back and his effect on the national team?

Ghaly is performing in a great league which has made many of Europe's stars...

But the most shocking exclusion has to be Hossam Ghaly's. The midfielder is playing and performing in a great league which has made so many of Europe's current stars. He's also playing at the very top of it, with Feyenoord pressuring PSV and AZ and hoping for a top of the table finish. What makes Ghaly stand out - even if few remember - is his professionalism. He was young and hungry for action after making his dream move to Europe, but wasn't given his chance for months. Arriving in Holland in August 2003, Ghaly didn't start a game till March 2004, but there were no signs of moaning or of rebellion. Adding to that Arsenal's interest, and Arsene Wenger is never interested in below standard players. With a couple of English clubs said to be chasing Ghaly, this decision to leave him out of the African Nations Cup could prove costly for one of Egypt's most renowned players. The scouts won't be able to watch him at the high and competitive international level they may want to see, and there will always be questions at the back of their minds: 'is he not good enough internationally?' and the Mido-like label of 'is he a bad-boy?' The work permit problem could rise - although Ghaly has played 75% of Egypt's games in the last 2 years, and so hopefully that won't be a problem due to his appearances before this tournament. Ghaly is most obviously good enough to be in the Egypt squad, especially with talented yet internationally inexperienced midfielders such as Samir Sabry in selection.