Wigan Athletics’ on-loan striker Zaki has received backing from his compatriot and fellow Latic forward Mido.

 

The Egyptian arrived back at the JJB late following the international break. Not only was he fined but manager Steve Bruce raised doubts about the future of his striker by criticising his behaviour. But Mido - also on loan at Wigan - remains hopeful that the recent incidents will not prevent Zaki from securing a permanent deal.

"Zaki is someone I've known years, he's a good boy with a big heart. It's his job now to show he wants to do even better for us” said Mido, “I spoke to the lads with Zaki when he came back, he apologised to the team and they accepted it.”

It is the fourth time that Zaki has returned late to training but Mido claimed that differences between the Egyptian system and the domestic game have still not quite sunk in. “In Egypt it's a totally different system, so he has to get used to how things are done over here.”

Whether Bruce will see it in a similar light is entirely another matter and unless Zaki rediscovers his scoring touch soon, the decision may be easier for Bruce than it could have been.