Egypt coach Hassan Shehata said he would call up striker Ahmed Hossam "Mido" to the team's squad if he regained his form and fitness.

“I hope that Emad Meteb, Mohamed Shawky and Amr Zaki will return soon to the national team. We will also call up Mido if he rediscovers his form,” Shehata said in a television interview.

Mido, who was involved in an infamous touchline row with Shehata during a 2006 Cup of African Nations (CAN) match on home soil, made his last official appearance with the Pharaohs in the World Cup qualifier against Zambia in 2009.

The former AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur hitman said recently he was unlikely to earn a place in Egypt's squad as long as Shehata is in charge of the team.

The nomadic striker is now seeking a new club during the current winter transfer window after terminating his contract with Dutch giants Ajax Amestrdam.

Despite scoring three goals in six appearances for Ajax this season, Mido decided to leave as he saw his opportunities to play regularly limited.

The 28-year old is now training with his former English club Middlesbrough until he decides his future amid speculation in the British media that he may remain with the team until the end of the season.

Seven-time African champions Egypt are now participating in the Nile Basin friendly tournament on home soil and preparing for their much-anticipated match against South Africa in the 2012 CAN qualifiers in March.