Osasuna Thrilled With Iranian Contingent

GOAL - The president of Osasuna, Pachi Izco is delighted with his Iranian midfielders Javad Nekounam and Masoud Shojaei.

Nekounam, an established Iranian international, joined the Spanish club in 2006 but Shojaei made his debut in La Liga two weeks ago.

It was an impressive start as, with his team trailing 1-0 to Villarreal, Shojaei won a penalty that was converted by his compatriot.

Izco is simply happy that Nekounam is back to full fitness after missing most of the 2007/08 season through injury.

"It was a huge loss,” Izco told Radio Pamplona. “For us who know his value and efficiency, it is a great news that he has recovered.”

Shojaei is already making friends in Pamplona.

"He is a player with great quality and has to adapt himself since he is coming from a different football but it will be easier for him than it was for Nekounam."