Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has come to the defence of controversial chairman Dave Whelan, insisting he has "had a great experience" with him.

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Al Habsi, 32, returns to a club in turmoil this week following Oman's impressive run to fourth-place at the Gulf Cup and a short loan spell at fellow Championship outfit Brighton and Hove Albion.

Scandal struck the Latics last week, 77-year-old Whelan apologising for newspaper comments about Chinese and Jewish people when defending the appointment of new manager Malky Mackay who is under investigation by the Football Investigation for allegedly sending racist, homophobic and sexist messages.

The Oman skipper has enjoyed a long association with Wigan after being brought there on an initial temporary deal in 2010.

Speaking in Riyadh following Tuesday's 3-2 third-place play-off loss to the UAE, he had only kind words to say about his under-fire supremo.

He said: "I have had a great experience with Dave Whelan. He is a great guy, a great chairman. I wish him all the best.

"I am going back to Wigan, I feel great [about that].

"Don't forget, I have had five games in a short period of time [during the Gulf Cup].

"That is great for my confidence going back to fight for my place in Wigan.

"We are happy [about the new manager] and I am happy to go back and work for him.

"Until now, I have not seen the gaffer but I am looking forward to it."

Oman surpassed all expectations during Khaleej 22, a young side pipping holders UAE to top spot in Group B and creating numerous chances when the sides met again.

A number of more experienced players are expected to return for January's Asian Cup, with the likes of injured main striker Amad Al Hosni likely to star.

"It was a good tournament for us," Al Habsi said.

"We had a lot of good things happen.

"It was a good competition, with hard competition between the players.

"It was a good experience for the young players, as we had many in our team.

"To play in a game like this [against the UAE], it will improve them.

"Do not forget, we have the Asian Cup coming soon. We have to concentrate now – we have only 40 days until the competition begins.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us."