Juwon Oshaniwa, 23, has been given a lifeline in his bid to earn a place in the starting lineup of MS Ashdod.

The Israeli club have plans to sell the defender to an interested suitor before the end of the transfer market, but should he remain at the club, it is unlikely he will be the first pick at left back.

Ahead of the first official match of this season, the good news is that Israel youth - teamer Amir Ben-Shimon, who is competing with Oshaniwa for a spot, will not take feature in the game against Hapoel Beer Sheva on Wednesday.

The 20 - year - old has not appeared at training due to international commitment with the Israeli Under 21 squad.

From every indication, Juwon Oshaniwa, who starred at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, will get the nod of manager Klinger at left back.

Another Nigerian, Yero Bello, is expected to be handed a role in the attack of the Dolphins.