Bristol City will not allow Emad Meteb participate in Ahli's Champions League encounter against Zamalek on Sunday, the English club's manager said. Meteb is set to pen a three-year deal with the English Championship side after passing a medical. He had hoped to play his last match for Ahli when the Red Devils host arch-rivals Zamalek in the Champions League group stage opener. However, City manager Gary Johnson revealed that it was not possible for the 25-year-old to take part in the anticipated clash. "We had to apply for his work permit and for that to happen he must cancel registration with Ahli," Johnson told City official website on Wednesday. "We need Meteb to be available for us for the start of the season. He wanted to play once more and say goodbye to the Egyptian fans. "Ahli have been a fantastic club for him and he will get the opportunity to go back and say hello, but he won't play for them. "I'm sure he'll see them plenty of more times playing for the Egyptian national team."
Nevertheless, Meteb's agent Nader Shawki confirmed to FilGoal.com that his client will play in the Cairo derby. "Although their initial stance suggested otherwise, Bristol City have agreed to let Meteb play against Zamalek," he said. Quality Signing Johnson was delighted that City were able to wrap up the deal of Meteb, whom he thinks will prove a valuable addition to the team's squad. The 52-year-old coach hopes that Meteb will rapidly adapt to the Championship. "Meteb has a good work-rate and a sporting personality that people will like. We just hope he gets his goals early and gets his confidence up. He'll be a major part of our squad." "Meteb has always been our number one target. He's a quality finished and the fox in the box. "We've needed one for a little while and I think he can work well with any of the strikers we've got at the club," he added.
