Both the MFA president, Dr Joe Mifsud and the chairman of South End Core (Supporters Group), Louis Agius, appealed to the public to give their full support to the side in these two matches.

Dr Mifsud said it was a very rare occasion that the MFA is allowing fans inside the Stadium today free of charge. He said next Wednesday’s match against Albania will be very important as it is Malta’s best hope of obtaining a positive result.

Mifsud is almost demanding a positive outcome from the players and expected the team to start the year on a positive note.

He also thanked Sheffield United for accepting an MFA group of officials including national coach Dusan Fitzel to watch over training procedures and club administration in Sheffield earlier this season.

Admission prices for the match will be 12 euros in the West A and C stands, eight euros at the Millenium Stand and five euros in the North and South stands.

Agius announced that the group was working hard on providing full support next Wednesday. “We will be providing a good atmosphere at Ta’ Qali as we did on previous occasions. It is a very important match. The public is demanding a positive result, but unless there is the strong support required, it will be difficult,” he added.

Agius confirmed that a trip on a chartered flight is being organised on the occasion of the Hungary-Malta match in Budapest. “Interest is very high and only 35 seats are available now. It will be a five-day tour and costs 379 euros in all,” he added.