Sayoud was among a handful of names to miss out on Ahli’s preliminary Champions League squad, casting doubts around his future with the Cairo club.

However, it seems that the 20-year-old still features in the plans of Jose, who was quick to inform the promising youngster of his thoughts.

“Jose spoke with me on Sunday when he noticed how frustrated I was to be excluded from the African list,” Sayoud told FilGoal.com.

“He urged me not to give up and to work harder in order to prove him wrong. He ensured me that I still have a chance to make the list.

“Jose believes I could be one of the future stars of the club.

“I think after this chat I am more determined to become a fans’ favorite here, especially after their continuous support for me even in difficult times.”

Even though he is far from being a first-team regular, Sayoud has usually received great applauds of Ahli fans, who backed him during the infamous unrest between Algeria and Egypt in 2009.

The talented midfielder, along with Liberian Francis Doe, was poised to leave Ahli this winter amid the club’s search for a foreign striker to complete the three slots.

But it seems that Doe, who was also dropped from the Champions League roster, is closer to Ahli’s exit door.