JESSE LINGARD has got himself off to the perfect in-game start to life in Saudi Arabia.
The former Manchester United star has been training with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq since last month.
Lingard had linked up with David Moyes’ West Ham before jetting off to go on trial in the Middle East.
While the Hammers withdrew their interest after Lingard’s snub, his chances of getting a contract with Al-Ettifaq appear to have gone up.
It comes after the 30-year-old scored a goal for Steven Gerrard’s outfit just FOUR minutes into a friendly game against Al-Khaldiya.
The match, played out on Wednesday, went on to end 2-2.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Despite featuring in the match for the Pro League side, Lingard has only signed a training contract.
This means he is still officially a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest over the summer.
Should Lingard impress club chiefs enough, he may be rewarded with a full deal.
This would see him link up with England team-mate and ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
A number of other familiar former Premier League stars are also in the squad, including Georginio Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray and Moussa Dembele.
Al-Ettifaq are currently 7th in the Pro League, having not won either of their last two league games.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
