The Egypt skipper produced scintillating displays to help Egypt to an unprecedented third consecutive African Cup of Nations title last January in Angola.

He was named the tournament's best player after scoring three goals and dishing out several assists as the Pharaohs extended their record to seven continental triumphs.

"I hope that I can become the best player in Africa like I became the best player in the Nations Cup," Hassan, an evergreen central midfielder, told Nile Sport on Saturday.

"But I'm realistic, I know that those who play in Europe and the European Champions League have much better chances to win the award.

"Eto'o, for instance, did not make a notable impact with Cameroon at the Nations Cup but played at the World Cup and won with Inter Milan the European Champions League and Italian league.

"Drogba was also present in the World Cup and won the English league with Chelsea after finishing as the competition's top scorer."

The CAF award has eluded Egyptian players since it was introduced in 1993.

Classy playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika, Hassan's Ahli teammate, came close to winning it in 2008 but eventually came second behind then Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo.

Egypt legend Mahmoud Al-Khatib, Ahli's current vice-president, won the old France Football award in 1983.

Geddo was also named in CAF's shortlist for the 2010 award after finishing as the Nations Cup leading scorer with five goals despite not starting any game.

"Anyway, the presence of Egyptian players in the shortlist is very important," Hassan added.

The 35-year-old is currently nursing a serious knee injury he picked up in Egypt's 1-1 draw at home to Sierra Leone in the opening game of the 2012 Nations Cup qualifiers in September.

He vowed to carry on playing though, bearing in mind that he is just three matches short of becoming the world's most capped player.

He made 175 international appearances, two behind former Saudi Arabia keeper Mohammed Al-Deayea.