Rafik Halliche is determined to force his way into the Fulham side and raise the club’s profile in Algeria.
The 24-year-old, who played every minute of his country’s 2010 World Cup campaign, moved to Craven Cottage in a £2million switch from Benfica this summer.
He was snapped up to help provide competition for places, with Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes the recognised centre-half pairing under Mark Hughes.
Halliche, though, is hoping he can be more than just a bit-part player this season, with his arrival in England causing quite a stir back in his homeland.
“I knew that signing for Fulham, there would be growing interest from Algeria in the club,” he said.
“Fans that follow me for the national team will be following the progress of Fulham and will be keen to see how I am getting on.
“I did expect this, but at the same time it gives me a lot of pleasure to hear that people in Algeria are starting to show more of an interest in Fulham.
“This is something which can only benefit me and the club.
“The objective of every player is to be part of the first XI and to play regularly.
“It won’t be easy to be a regular starter with two good central defenders here who are captains of their national sides and the experience they both have.
“But I’m here to try to make a mark and earn a place in the team.
“I’m just waiting for my chance to prove that I’m also worthy of a regular spot.”
Halliche is confident he can cope with the demands of life in the Premier League, having already turned out at the highest level for club and country.
He added: “The experience gained playing in the African Nations Cup and World Cup for my country and domestic and European matches for my club side have served me well in terms of improving me as a player.
“I spoke to some of my team-mates from my national team about playing in the Premier League, like Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj, the last time we all met up for international duty.
“They gave me some advice on what to expect in the Premier League.”
