The Malta Under 18 team, guided by coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant, Raymond Schembri, are in the Republic of Ireland to play two friendly matches against the host country in what should be another preparatory spin for our youth national side.

Late in November this year the team will be engaged on home soil in the European Under 19 Championship 2008-09 qualifying round in the group comprising France, Liechtenstein and the Republic of Ireland.

The matches in the Republic of Ireland, scheduled to be played in Cork today and on Thursday, will be very valid tests for the team and an opportunity for Camilleri to assess the components of his 18-strong squad, which is made up of two goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and three forwards.

The policy of the technical staff within the MFA is to constantly provide our young players with vital international experience, and more so when these are overseas ventures.

Commenting on his team’s forthcoming matches later this month and then in November, Edwin Camilleri said that the idea behind the programme of these junior teams, particularly the one under his charge, is to help the youths make the grade to the Under 21 team and later to the National ‘A’ team.

The first match is being played at Cobh Ramblers FC Stadium in Cork, while the second is at Cork City Stadium. Kick-off for both matches is at 7.30pm.

The squad is:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Balzan (Hibs), Joswel Caruana (Luqa)

Defenders: Joey Aquilina (Three Bridges), Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Cleaven Cassar (Pieta), Elkien Grech (Hibs), Kane Farrugia (Sliema), Ismail Grech (Pieta), Jonathan Xerri (Hibs)

Midfielders: Nathan Busuttil (Pieta), Sheldon Grech (Pieta), Dylan Grima (Valletta), Edward Grima (St Andrew’s), Mark Xerri (Sliema), Terence Vella (Gudja)

Forwards: Miguel Ciantar (Sliema), Michael Grima (St Andrews), Rowen Muscat (B’kara).