Saturday 1 November 2014 10:45, UK
Wigan's second-choice goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has made a one-month loan switch to Sky Bet Championship rivals Brighton.
Al Habsi began Uwe Rosler's reign as first choice once he had recovered from a long-term injury, but found himself relegated to the bench when Scott Carson had fully recovered from his own injury and impressed in last year's FA Cup run.
The Oman international has featured in just one game this term - the Capital One Cup loss to Burton - and will now join the Seagulls for a month following the news that David Stockdale has a finger injury.
"With such a class goalkeeper, at some point you have to give him games," Rosler told Latics' official website.
"Last year he was fantastic but I made a decision this year to go with Scott. Ali has been absolutely professional.
"He is in my thoughts and in my plans. I know his contract runs out at the end of the season and at some point we need to make a decision on that.
"It is a gesture from us to support Ali because he has supported us and to give him competitive games."
Al Habsi will not be eligible to play when Wigan make the trip to Brighton this Tuesday.
Seagulls boss Sami Hyypia told his club's official website: "With David currently being injured, we felt that it was important to bring in another experienced goalkeeper to the club.
"Ali certainly fits into this category, as someone who has played at the top level for both Bolton and Wigan in the Premier League and for the Omani national team."
