Rodgers nominates Saudi Arabia international to play in the English league

Will the coach's predictions come true?

Brendan Rodgers, the Irish manager of Al-Qadsiah, has tipped the Saudi Arabia international to move to the English Premier League in the coming period.

Al-Qadsiah beat visitors Abha 2-1 on Friday at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, in the ninth round of the Saudi Roshn League.

Right-back Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat stole the show. He pounced on a dropping ball in front of the Abha goal and lashed it in with his left foot for Al-Qadsiah's second on 69 minutes.

After the final whistle, Rodgers heaped praise on his full-back, telling Saudi newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat": "Abu Al-Shamat is an excellent player, and he is developing as time goes on. I am happy to have him with me at Al-Qadsiah."

He added: "He (Abu Al-Shamat) certainly has chances of succeeding in the strongest league in the world (the Premier League), but I want him to stay with us so that he can grow and develop, and give a lot to Saudi football."

His goal against Abha took him to eight contributions in the current Roshn League season, four goals and four assists, with the Saudi Arabia full-back showing no sign of slowing down.

At 24, he has also nailed down a starting spot for his country, driving Saudi Arabia to the Arabian Gulf Cup "Gulf 27" title after a 23-year wait. They beat the UAE 2-0 in the final.