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RISING-STAR Rashid Al Hooti is helping to set the foundations for the new-look Bahrain national football team as it aims for regional glory.
Newly-appointed coach Josef Hickersberger has singled out the bright attacking left back and promoted him from the Under 23 Olympic team into his first team squad.
The shy and likeable 20-year-old from East Riffa said: "Football has always been a passion of mine. I don't even remember when I started playing the sport but I recall watching my father play with his friends. Their brotherhood and camaraderie instilled in me an overwhelming desire to play the game.
"I had a dream that one day I would become a professional player, be it here or abroad. I didn't think of much else!
"I feel so proud to be a part of the national team. It has always been an ambition and it was incredible to fly out for the camp and the recent friendly against China.
"While I am extremely happy to be making so much ground on the football front, I still have much more to achieve.
"I want to play professionally for a top side and help take the national team into the next World Cup Finals. That is my ultimate goal!"
His family have backed him all the way and dad, Khalil, 50, and his brothers Mohammed, 23, and Hisham, 26, were cheering him on during last night's friendly fixture against Togo at the National Stadium.
Al Hooti added: "My mother is so proud of me. She is my biggest supporter, watching me on television every chance she gets. The entire family gathers together. I am so happy to be playing football and I hope to make my kingdom proud."
Hickersberger said: "Rashid is a fast and mobile left-footed player with good skills and now has to keep working on the tactical part of the game.
"Youngsters like him will help me build for the future and it is looking very promising. Hopefully he will get even more international experience with the Olympic team and the national team as well."
Al Hooti came on in the second half during Bahrain's 1-1 draw in Doha against Qatar on Friday evening. The fixture was part of the national team's preparations for the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Championship which kicks off in Amman on September 24 with the final on October 3.
Before the tournament starts Bahrain will get a flavour of Jordanian hospitality with a warm-up game against the hosts on September 19.
Bahrain are drawn in Group A alongside Oman and defending champions Iran. Group B features Jordan, Syria and Kuwait while group C consists of Palestine, Iraq and Yemen.
Hickersberger added: "Each and every match will help us in our preparations for the tough contests ahead."
The national team will also compete in the Gulf Cup in Yemen from November 22 to December 5, and will be looking for further glory in the Asian Cup Finals in Doha, to be staged early next year.
