Former Sliema, Valletta, St George’s and Malta goalkeeper Ernest Barry is being tempted to return to the field of play.

Barry, 38, has been inactive since last season, but is looking forward to extend his playing time, at least till reaching age 40.

It is understood that two Premier clubs, at least, are showing interest in his services.

Birkirkara are in search of a second goalkeeper as Bernard Paris is still very young, in fact, under 20 years old. And there is no other cover for Czech Republic goalie David Simon.

The Stripes have been let down by some bad goalkeeping in their first seven matches in which they have collected just 13 points, though they remain in third place.

In Ernest Barry, they will have a more than reliable No. 2 goalkeeper.

But they seem to have serious competition from Premier rivals Floriana who are also keen to get Barry’s signature to strengthen a defence which has conceded 16 goals in seven matches – the second worst defensive record in the Premier League so far this season.

The Greens might also offer Barry the post of assistant coach in the hope that he might become the Greens coach in future.