The most successful Under 21 Malta team ever, and arguably one of the best, is due to perform again in front of a home crowd. Today they will be facing the Turkish counterparts in a friendly at Ta' Qali National Stadium at 6.00pm.

A series of prestigious results since the start of the current season against more-quoted opponents has left some usually sceptic local followers flabbergasted. Victories over Finland, Iceland, Norway and Italy (U/20), an away draw against Portugal and close defeats against other heavyweights Sweden, Bulgaria and Hungary must have brought back memories of some equally fine performances when the squad was under the guidance of Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia some years back.

Through the fine work of those involved at the MFA Technical Centre, Mark Miller's marauders have been blended into a fine homogeneous unit where teamwork and unshakeable self-confidence have beaten off the ghost of inferiority complex. It was the way they displayed their talents through positive football more that the results that really caught the eye. Miller and Silvio Vella have been prime motivators.

There were words of praise for our team from the Icelandic, Norwegian and Italian coaches, who all said that the Maltese, most of whom are not yet 20, are a well-organised outfit who never shun the possibility of moving forward positively in search of goal.

Unfortunately, few were those who turned up to watch our Under 21 team this season, despite the open gates. The cold weather in the last two matches at the Hibs Ground and the inconvenient early afternoon kick-off time must have affected the attendance.

However, this young team deserves the backing of all who have our football at heart, and more are expected to give support to the Reds when they meet a workmanlike Turkish outfit that recently managed to beat the rated Netherlands, themselves winners over England some weeks ago.

Some components of the visiting team form part of such club sides as Bayer Leverkusen, Galatasaray, Genclerbirligi and other top Turkish sides. The Turks, under the technical direction of Rasit Cetiner, have come on pretty well in recent years and it should not be long before their Under/21 players will wear the national team vest, which was donned by some illustrious predecessors who finished a surpising third in the World Cup of 1992.

Malta will surely be in for a stern test today against such opponents. Support from the stands will help them charge up their technical and fighting qualities.

Gates are again open and the kick-off time is much more spectator friendly.