National coach Pietro Ghedin is happy with the form being shown by his national team squad players even if only two rounds of League matches have been played so far.
Addressing a news conference this morning, the Italian mentor said all his players were in good condition. He added: “I have seen almost all the matches where my players were involved and I can now say that they are in pretty good shape.
“We are aware that these will not be easy matches, especially the qualifier against Scotland. But we have worked hard. If we remain united – coach, players, association, journalists and fans, then I am sure my boys will play their hearts out in the name of the country.”
Asked about the absence of Rowen Muscat from the squad, Ghedin said he was sorry for the Birkirkara player. “He stopped with Italy’s Pavia in April and has not played or trained since. Yet I believe he is still very important for us,” he said.
Roderick Briffa of Valletta FC is adamant that the squad is well prepared for both matches. “We have worked hard with the coach and his staff. The atmosphere in the squad is really good. We know what we will be facing in both matches and we know what we have to do. Of course, we will have to be at our best and avoid committing mistakes which lead to goals against us. Now that we have an excellent and brand new surface here at Ta’ Qali, it is our responsibility to get the desired results,” he said.
This morning the squad will be having a recovery session. The Maltese contingent leaves for Tallinn, the Estonian capital, via Amsterdam, tomorrow morning.
A training session is planned for Tuesday at around 4pm in Parnu’s Linna Stadium, where Wednesday’s match is being played (kick off 6.30pm).
Malta squad
Goalkeepers: Andrew Hogg (Hibernians FC), Henry Bonello (Valletta FC).
Defenders: Andrei Agius (Hibernians FC), Jonathan Caruana (Valletta FC), Zach Muscat (Arezzo FC) Steve Borg (Valletta FC), Ryan Camilleri (Valletta FC), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Gzira Utd FC), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara FC), Clayton Failla (Hibernians FC).
Midfielders: Paul Fenech (Balzan FC), Roderick Briffa (Valletta FC), Gareth Sciberras (Birkirkara FC), Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians FC), Luke Gambin (Barnet FC), Ryan Scicluna (Birkirkara FC).
Strikers: Andre’ Schembri (Boavista FC), Alfred Effiong (Balzan FC), Michael Mifsud (Valletta FC), Jean Paul Farrugia (Sliema Wanderers FC).
Photos & Video: Domenic Aquilina