Malta will be facing Austria this evening in Graz in a friendly match. Austria will use this friendly as a build up for the forthcoming Euro 2008 which kicks-off on 7 June.

National coach Dusan Fitzel is expected to draft in some under-21 players, with Hibernians’ Jonathan Caruana expected to make his debut.

Dusan Fitzel will chose his squad from the following players.

Goalkeepers - Justin Haber (Haidari), Andrew Hogg (Valletta).

Defenders - Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Rodrick Briffa (Sliema), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Sliema)

Midfielders - Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Udo Nwoko (Leixoes), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk).

Strikers - Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Andre Schembri (Braunschweig).

Austria guided by coach Josef Hickersberger will be playing in Group B, facing Croatia, rivals Germany and Poland.

This will be the ninth clash between Austria and Malta, with Austria winning eight of these.

Officials from Slovenia will control tonight’s match, headed by referee Robert Krajnc.

A hot climate welcomed the Maltese team in Graz, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees centigrade, but some showers are expected this evening.

Malta’s next commitment will be on 20 August away from home against Estonia, whilst the first qualifier will be against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on 6 September.