Malta today faces Slovenia in its first commitment in this competition – the first match of the group. The match is being played at the Hibs Ground in Corradino and kicks off at 3pm.

It is Edwin Camilleri’s competitive debut with the national side following the two friendlies against England and Denmark earlier this year.

The coach, a former national team left flank defender, lamented the fact that he has a good number of players unavoidably absent.

Terence Vella, Christopher Pace, Kane William Micallef and Owen Bugeja are all indisposed while Mark Scerri, Luke Agius, Dylan Kokavessis and Ryan Camilleri are all ruled out through injury.

Addressing the press yesterday, Camilleri said he had seen Slovenia in action in their recent friendly 3-1 win against Romania and he had no doubt that it would be a difficult test for his mostly untried boys this afternoon. “Yet, I believe in their abilities, and I am sure they are motivated in the right direction – to try and get something positive. If we can hold on to a goalless result in the first half, then their confidence is bound to improve and I would not exclude the possibility of a positive result,” he said.

Camilleri said all the players were aware of the good number of players missing, but added that they were all ready to fight for their places in this team, which is starting a new competition. “My aim at the end of this two-year competition, will be to see quite a number of players from my squad making the grade not only in the local Premier League, but also in the national squad,” he added.

Speaking about today’s opponents, Camilleri said Slovenia were speedy and pressed hard in all parts of the pitch. “We will be doing our best to limit the damage they can inflict on us, but we will have to be focused all the time,” he said.

Camilleri will be selecting his starting line-up from the following squad:

Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Sliema W.), Nicholas Vella (Valletta).

Defenders: Steve Bonnici (Floriana), Adrian Borg (Mosta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida SJ), C. Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema W.), D. Pisani (Floriana), J. Zerafa (Birkirkara).

Midfielders: K. Pulo (Pieta), Julian Galea (Melita), J. Buttigieg (Nadur Y), J. Mintoff (Sliema W.), B. Muscat (St Patrick), M. Ciantar (Sliema W.)

Strikers: B. Camilleri (Hibernians), W. Chircop (Tarxien R.),R. Chetcuti Warrington (England).