London, Jan 24 : Former Pakistani leg spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is trying to shake off mutterings about his murky past and make Monty Panesar a match-winner again.

Mushtaq praised Panesar, and said Monty "has the potential to win games single-handed."

Mushtaq, England's new spin-bowling guru was heavily criticised in cricket's most detailed match-fixing probe nine years ago, The Sun reported.

When asked whether he has ever been involved in match fixing, Mushtaq said: "I felt I shouldn't answer that. The reason is there is nothing to say. If I keep saying these things, it will go on all day. You need evidence."

He said: "I have to concentrate on my job. The ECB thought I am good enough to help and I'm glad. I don't want to go into the past. All the cricket boards know these things, so when they employ me they must think things are good not bad. I was assistant coach for the Pakistan team and nobody said anything."

Recently, the ICC expressed concern at his appointment and reserved the right to view his itemised phone bill. They also asked him to attend an anti-corruption refresher course.

Mushataq insisted on Friday it was all in the past and there was no evidence anyway.

Mushtaq is contracted to work for the ECB for 100 days a year and, though he is in the Caribbean for only 10 days, England believe he can help Panesar recapture lost form and confidence.

He will also work with Graeme Swann and Adil Rashid. (ANI)