The Middlesbrough striker made himself available for the national team, but he conceded that the decision isn't his.

"I think Egypt must have a good chance in the African Cup of Nations, but I don’t know if I will be selected, that is not my choice," Mido said in an interview with Boro's official site.

Mido is regarded as one of the most successful Egyptians to play in Europe, but his contribution with the national side is often questioned.

The 24-year-old forward admitted that his performances with Egypt are not equivalent to the fine form he usually gave in Europe, even though he doesn’t know the reason.

"I think things are different when you play for your club and your country, the games and the players are not the same," he said.

"I don’t know why is this, but that is what I feel, maybe it will be different in the future."

Mido revealed that he eyes a top 10 finish with struggling Middlesbrough in the Premiership this term.

"Obviously I would like us to finish as high as we can, I came here to help the cub achieve a good placing and I think we can get that," he said.

"I don’t think top four is realistic, but top 10 definitely."

More time for Shawky

Mido tipped his Egyptian Boro colleague Mohamed Shawky to shine for the Yorkshire club, but he believes the former Ahli midfielder needs more time.

"He has shown he is a good player for Egypt and he is training well here, I think it will take him time to adjust to the game in England, but I think he will be good," Mido said.

Shawky is yet to play a single minute for Gareth Southgate's team in the Premiership this season since joining from Ahli in August.