Four players are at present on trial with Birkirkara FC as the current Premier League leaders continue their search for a replacement for Emil Yantchev.

The central defender from Bulgaria walked out on the club last month to go and play in the Turkish/Cypriot league which is not yet recognised by UEFA and FIFA, leaving a gap in the Stripes defence which has not yet been filled.

A spokesman for the club told The Malta Independent yesterday that four players – two defenders and two strikers – are currently undergoing a trial with the club.

They have already takeN part in a friendly match against Gozo’s Victoria Hotspurs during the week. Today they are expected to be in action again as the Stripes meet Gharghur FC in another friendly.

One of the players, a Bulgarian 24-year-old central defender on the books of Vihren, seems to have left a good impression, but he is only available from next January, as he has already played in the Bulgarian first division with his side this season.

The fact that the Stripes also have two strikers currently undergoing a trial, might be an indication that they intend to make a change as Brazilian William Landim is struggling to adapt to local conditions.

However, the Stripes might also be interested in their former striker Boris Sanjo from the Central African Republic, if he becomes available later this month. Sanjo was with the Stripes at the start of last season, but was ruled out after suffering a serious injury early and had to be replaced.

Coach John Buttigieg will obviously make the final selection. The Stripes’ next League match is against Marsaxlokk tomorrow week.