The international full-back, who joined Sunderland on a year-long loan from ENPPI, featured several times for the Black Cats during their pre-season matches.

"Everything has been superb since I arrived at Sunderland," said Al-Muhammadi, who is in Cairo for Egypt's friendly with DR Congo on Wednesday.

"I hope to start on Saturday. I want to play as many games as possible.

"I am playing in the best league in the World alongside some of the finest football players.

"I am sure I still have a lot to learn and hopefully I can be more useful to the national team after I gain more experience."

Al-Muhammadi was a member of the Egyptian team who won the African Cup of Nations in February in Angola.

He scored once against Benin as Egypt marched on to win their third straight African title, seventh in history.