I am very happy to get the job - Saqr

"It is a huge responsibility and though I am very happy with being appointed as National Coach, I hope I live up to the expectations of the UAE FA," said Abdullah Saqr immediately after his appointment yesterday.

Speaking to Gulf News after his first meeting with the UAE FA President Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Seaports Authority, Abdulla said his efforts would be fully devoted towards building a strong team to improve UAE's football future.

"While Dutchman Tini Richs and Al Wasl's Khalifa Mubarak will be assisting me on the technical side, I will soon be getting a goalkeeper's coach from outside the UAE," Abdulla said.

"We plan to have a month's camp in Europe but we are yet to finalise the exact place. The national team probables will assemble here for a training camp starting on June 22 prior to that," Abdullah added.

"I am very happy with this honour and we already have a target ahead of us," Abdullah said referring to the crucial qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup. "I am looking forward to the total support of the boys and all those concerned and together I hope we can achieve good results," Abdullah said.

Abdulla Saqr was strongly tipped for the coveted assignment after he took over the mantle following the sacking of Frenchman Henry Michel and led the UAE to a crucial 2-1 win over Yemen and qualified for the second round. The UAE begin their campaign on August 17 with home and away matches against China, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Oman in group two.