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My serene journey only just began as I got to the Melwood training ground: "Are you here to interview Steven?" asks one of the security guards.

"No, Nabil El Zahr, reserve team striker," is my reply. At this point the security guard looks bemused.

Am I supposed to know the names of every single player?' I can always rely on the security team to make me laugh.

Soon enough I am face to face with Nabil and I greet him by saying "Asalamu - Alaikum" (Peace be upon you) "Wa'alaikum - Salaam" (and peace be upon you too), replies Nabil with a big smile.

Casting his mind back to his childhood, Nabil speaks about his upbringing. Born in the city of Nimes in the south of France Nabil, along with 13-year-old brother Karim, were brought up by parents Kasem, an agricultural worker, and Amina.

"Although I couldn't afford to buy a football shirt when I was young, we were from a good normal area," said Nabil.

"I always wanted to be a professional footballer that was all. I left home (with his parents' approval) to play in St Etienne when I was 17. I was on my own as a young boy. I was told to be careful and look after myself by my parents."

The talented and quick 20-year-old nicknamed ElZahrio and Zaroualinho, had rejected the chance to remain with French club St Etienne and instead signed a four-year contract at Anfield before the closure of the transfer window on September 1.

His ambition is to improve and play in the first team on a regular basis. However he is under no illusions about the task ahead: "I have to work hard and Insha Allah (god willing) improve and try to prove my worth and get into the team."

Fellow Muslim player and midfield enforcer, Mohammed Sissoko has helped Nabil settle in at Liverpool: "I knew him before I came here. He has helped me settle in," said Nabil.

"We have had lunch together and he has given me some good advice.

"He is a good guy. All the players have been kind to me."

El Zhar chose to play for Morocco as he qualifies through one of his parents.

He first sprang to prominence in the 2005 World Youth Championships when he helped them reach the semi-finals.

He feels it is an honour to play for them: "I love it," says Nabil with a broad smile.

He cites former Coventry and Aston Villa player Mustapha Hadji as one of the best Moroccan players.

"I spoke to him recently in Marrakech. Because I am in the under 21's I cannot speak to him regularly, but he is a good guy"

During an interview, FIFA president Sepp Blatter, told me how he was very impressed with Liverpool's never say die' attitude during that great night in Istanbul, and Captain Steven Gerrard's talismanic performance'.

I ask Nabil if one day, maybe Blatter will be praising his performances in a red shirt?

At this moment I would have thought Nabil would be in dreamland, but the youngster has his feet on the ground.

He insists he has a lot of work to do in order to receive such an accolade: "I don't know, but I hope so. I'd like to think so, Insha Allah! (God willing)," says Nabil with cautious optimism.

Nabil insists he likes the city of Liverpool although it is different to his home city: "I like Liverpool; but Nimes is a very small city.

"The shopping and everything in Liverpool is good.

"I also like to play on the computer a lot of the time. I have an X box and I play soccer games."

Nabil is hungry for success and with people like Sissoko watching his back, there could be good times ahead as El Zahr will be patiently waiting to force his way into Rafael Benitez's Anfield plans.

With Sheikh Mohammad's takeover of Liverpool fast approaching players like Nabil El Zahr could help shape the future of the club for years to come.

5:00pm Wednesday 17th January 2007

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