Burridge tips UAE for success in showcase

Oman: Oman's goalkeeper coach John Burridge, who's currently at the U-23 Gulf Cup in Qatar, tips the UAE for top honours in tonight's final with Kuwait.

Having seen the Kuwaitis beat his Omani protégés on penalties 5-4 in the semi-finals, he believes the UAE can now finish where Oman left off thanks in part to top scorer Ahmad Khalil, who has four goals to his name.

"He's the big difference. We were a good side Oman but we didn't have a striker that could break Kuwait's defensive play we wasted too many chances. Khalil can score and he's a master of the free kicks as well. I'm not a betting man but my money is on the UAE."

Englishman, Burridge, aged 58 who had a 28-year playing career with 29 different clubs, most notably Aston Villa and Newcastle United said, "Kuwait play an Italian style of football. They sit back and defend in numbers with five in midfield and four at the back then they try and suck you in and eat you on the break."