A buoyant Ahmed Elmohamady is back in favour after being given limited playing time under Egypt coach Hector Cuper, whose over-reliance on defence meant there was no room for the right wingback.

With Mexican coach Javier Aguirre preferring a more adventurous approach, Elmohamady is expected to be a regular starter at the Nations Cup on home soil.

The 31-year-old, a long-serving player in English football, is fresh from playing a key role in helping Aston Villa earn promotion to the English Premier League, providing the cross from which Anwar El Ghazi scored in a decisive 2-1 playoff win over Derby County last month.

"I finished my season with Aston Villa and I am now focusing on the Nations Cup," he told beIN Sports.

"Egypt will host the tournament all Egyptians are looking for the precious title."

Elmohamady was a key member of Hassan Shehata's hugely successful side, helping Egypt to two back-to-back African Cup of Nations triumphs in 2008 and 2010.

He is known for his inviting crosses and marauding runs down the right flank.

Elmohamady made his Egypt debut in a friendly against the Ivory Coast in August 2007 and went on to make 88 international appearances, scoring three goals and dishing out nine assists.