Adam El-Abd is sweating on a World Cup debut with Egypt as he tackles a week of training on the Mediterranean coast.

The Albion defender has travelled with the squad to Alexandria, which will host their qualifier against Mozambique on Friday, and is waiting to hear whether he will feature in the matchday squad.

El-Abd impressed in half a game, against Cameroon last Sunday, and stands a chance of making the cut.

However there has been a delay in processing paperwork necessary for him to play in a competitive international fixture.

Egypt boss Bob Bradley told The Argus last night: “At the moment there is a possibility the paperwork will not be squared away in time, which would be a shame. Adam has made a really positive impression.”

Fiorentina’s new signing Ahmed Hegazi and Ahmed Saied, still based in Egypt, are being tipped to start with El-Abd and Mahmoud Fathallah, who plays for top Cairo outfit Zamalek, pushing them for places.

Meanwhile, Craig Mackail-Smith and his Scotland colleagues have been told their week in Florida was worthwhile, despite a 5-1 mauling by the USA.

All the scoring had been done by the time the Albion striker went on as an 82nd minute substitute in the one-sided friendly in Jacksonville.

Boss Craig Levein said: “We’ve had a good week and, okay, this is a disappointing end to the week but it’s great every time we get the lads together.”