The misfiring Hosni rarely featured for the Red Devils this season, with his fellow strikers Mohamed Fadl, Francis Doe and Mohamed Talaat playing more regularly.

Young sensation Sayoud has been far from settled at Ahli too, having played for the Cairo side only for few minutes since joining in the summer of 2009.

The 20-year-old came across as a very promising schemer despite his lack of appearances, but became undesirable after the infamous tension between Egypt and his native country Algeria during the 2010 World Cup qualifying stage.

Both countries improved ties later but the talented midfielder hasn't made Ahli's squad ever since.

Outcasts Hosni and Sayoud were tipped to part company with the six-time African champions, with Egyptian top-flight clubs, including Gouna, approaching them over the past months.

But it seems they will be given another chance to prove their worth at Ahli.

Best Striker

"Hosni is the best striker at Ahli these days, technically I mean," Al-Badri said during a lengthy interview with Modern TV.

"I think Hosni and Emad Meteb (who's getting back to Ahli in January) boast very exceptional capabilities.

"The problem is that Hosni has been out of action for a long time through injury.

"I keep him on the sidelines for the time being because I don't want him to rush his comeback.

Speaking of Sayoud, former Ahli assistant Al-Badri said: "I'm totally convinced with his skills. He will be given a bigger role in the upcoming league matches.

"He was injured for a long time too, so now he needs to work hard to hit peak form."