Classy playmaker Abou-Treika was a little-known footballer when he joined Ahli from Tersana in January 2004 but went on to become one of the team's all-time greats.

He earned a cult status among Ahli's faithful after playing a key role in helping the Red Devils win a host of local and continental titles during the past six years.

Geddo became a household name after scoring five goals in last January's African Cup of Nations in Angola to give Egypt an unprecedented third successive title and a seventh overall.

But he is aware he still has a lot of work to do to win over Ahli's demanding supporters.

"I hope that I can achieve 50% of what Abou-Treika did with Ahli and the national team," Geddo said in a television interview.

"He sets an example to follow. He is the idol for the youth players in Egypt."

Geddo joined Ahli in the close season from Ittihad Alexandria in a hugely controversial move that dominated headlines in the summer.

He initially penned a deal with Ahli's Cairo rivals Zamalek but he opted against honoring it to move across the city and enrage the White Knights.

Good Rate

Geddo, with huge expectations on his shoulders, made a slow start to his Ahli adventure.

He is yet to replicate his superb Nations Cup form but some pundits have criticized coach Hossam Al-Badri for deploying him in an unfamiliar position on the left wing.

The talented shy-looking player, who turns 26 next month, excelled in Egypt's triumphant campaign when he played as a deep-lying forward to finish as the tournament's top scorer.

"I scored two goals in five matches with Ahli, I think this is a good rate given that I play on the wing, I'm not often in a position to score," he commented.

"But scoring is not always important, what matters most is my ability to help the team in different ways.

"I'm aware that I only regained 10% of my top form, there is a long way to go."

Geddo is currently nursing a knee injury he sustained in Ahli's 4-2 Champions League defeat at bitter rivals Ismaili last Sunday.

The injury will rule him out of Monday's Egyptian Premier League game against Military Production.

He is also doubtful for Ahli's crucial clash against Tunisia's Esperance in the first-leg of the Champions League semi final next month.

"I'm doing my best to be fit before we face Esperance. I hope that I will be able to feature in that important game," Geddo added.