The former England international has returned to take charge until the end of January, having worked as coaching consultant for two weeks last month.

With the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) still searching for Aaqib Javed’s permanent successor, Shah, 38, admits he would be willing to take on the job beyond January but his immediate focus is to bring out the best of his players.

He takes charge of a talented crop of cricketers and the batsman has made his priorities clear.

“I want to make sure the guys act as professional cricketers in every single thing they do,” he said.

“This is not just in cricket but in every day life as that has a knock-on effect in cricket. It’s important they know what to eat, how much rest they should be taking and how many hours of sleep they should get. All these qualities are needed to succeed and I want to help them being at their best.”

While Shah oversaw two victories in the three-match 50-over Oman series in Dubai, the UAE have struggled lately. His troops are winless in the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup, while they have only tasted success once in the 50-over World Cricket League.

With matches scheduled against England Lions, Pakistan A and Afghanistan between now and January, Shah knows he faces a huge task.

“We want to win and be one of the best Associate sides out there,” he said. “It’s a challenge. I’ve not done much head coaching roles at all and I’m learning all the time. But what I can offer is knowledge. I can tap into a lot of head coaches who I know back in England as well as people in the national set-up.

“I just want to go and make a difference and help the guys become better cricketers. If after that ECB feels that I’m not the man, then that’s fine, but I will go out there and do a good job and try to improve their cricket.”