National coach Horst Heese said yesterday that the absence of Michael Mifsud, Luke Dimech and Gilbert Agius will make it even more difficult for Malta against Hungary on Saturday.

Mifsud is ruled out through injury, Dimech has been granted permission to play for his club Chester while Agius is suspended for one match, though he will be available once again next Wednesday.

Heese said these will be very tough matches. “We have already played against these opponents and we know how difficult it is going to be for us. For example, I had never expected Hungary to win eight points from the matches they have played. They have done very well considering the circumstances and the fact they are still with a slight chance to qualify will pose more problems for us,” he said.

Heese, however, said he was convinced that his boys will perform well. “It is true we will be missing the expert Gilbert Agius in midfield. Against N. Ireland, he played his best match for the team since I have been here. He is a real skipper, but we cannot complain. We also have Ivan Woods with a slight injury problem, though he should be fit to play. As for a replacement for Agius, we have been preparing Massimo Grima for that role. Since he joined us six months ago, he has lost six kilos and I think he deserves to be given this chance,” said the German coach.

Heese also spoke about Dimech’s absence. He said: “Of course, I wished him to play these matches. He even contacted the MFA officials over this problem as he was warned by his coach that he could lose his place in the Chester side. It did not make sense for us to discipline Dimech. He is now a professional and earning his living in England. I have had to accept it. After all, I do not wish to have anyone in my team who does not have his heart here.”

After announcing that Jonathan Bondin and Etienne Barbara will still be missing these two matches, Heese also praised Kenneth Scicluna after his good show in the final 25 minutes against N. Ireland, when he came on as substitute. “He is quick and intelligent, he knows the game and shows a good attitude and approach. He is a tough boy and I expect him to do well in the national team,” said Heese.