Al Ain’s Arabian Gulf League title triumph has provided the perfect lift for tonight’s vital continental assignment, according to defender Mohanad Salem.

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The Boss have been forced to delay celebrations from Friday’s coronation because of their AFC Champions League clash against Group B basement club Al Shabab Riyadh.

They currently sit a point off the pace in second, victory in the Saudi Arabian capital allied with Pakhtakor failing to beat leaders Naft Tehran enough to secure a roundof-16 berth with one game to spare.

“We will enter the field in high spirits,” Salem said. “We are in a great position after winning the Arabian Gulf League, which has provided a morale boost for all of the squad.

“Our desire is to follow up on our strong results and return with the three points from Saudi Arabia.”

A new face is to greet Al Ain in the opposite dugout since their goalless opening Group B meeting, Egyptian Adel Abdulrahman being elevated from his position as coach of the Under-23s side last month following a poor run under previous incumbent Jaime Pacheco.

The White Lions should provide the perfect opposition for Al Ain striker Asamoah Gyan, who is finding his way back to full fitness.

The Ghana captain was the ACL’s top scorer in 2014 with 12 strikes and has vowed to return to the goal trail at King Fahd International Stadium.

He said: “I do not know if I will score or not, but I always try to give my best in every game. But the important aspect is that the team should win.”

Al Ain will be without Slovakia winger Miroslav Stoch as he serves a four-match ACL suspension, but defensive midfielder Ahmed Barman is back from his ban.