IF MOHAMED El Gabas had stayed in Belgium in the summer rather than moving to Swindon Town, the striker would be preparing to enjoy a well-earned week off.

Instead the Egyptian, who is playing for his future at the County Ground with his short-term deal due to expire on December 31, is about to experience English football’s hectic festive period for the first time.

The 26-year-old has mainly featured from the bench for Town since moving from Lierse, but believes players in this county would benefit from a short break over Christmas like the majority of leagues in mainland Europe.

“It’s only England who play at Christmas I think because in Belgium the next Saturday game is the last one,” he said. Not only in Belgium but also Holland and Germany and most of the competitions in Europe.

“Every year in Belgium we had at least a week or 10 days off and it was good. I think it’s very important, especially with the intensity of English football, for the players to have at least one week or two weeks off.”