John Buttigieg will make his debut as Malta’s new national coach next Wednesday in a friendly against Georgia at Ta’ Qali, since his appointment last month following Dusan Fitzel’s departure for health reasons.

Yesterday, Buttigieg announced a provisional 24-man squad, including all foreign-based players Justin Haber, Andrei Agius, Daniel Bogdanovic and Andre Schembri.

Although still without a club, both Etienne Barbara and Michael Mifsud were also included in the squad.

Although there were little or no surprises in Buttigieg’s selection, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza also had a call-up from his former coach when both were together with Birkirkara FC.

Striker Mifsud Triganza has since joined Sliema Wanderers.

But Valletta’s recent new recruit Terence Scerri was not included.

Buttigieg is assisted by another former international Carmel Busuttil.

The Georgia squad, under coach Hector Cuper, includes Levan Kobiashvili and Levan Kenie, currently on the books of Bundesliga side Schalke 04.

The Malta squad:

Goalkeepers: J. Haber (Sheffield U);A. Hogg (Valletta); M. Muscat (Hibernians)

Defenders: A. Agius (Cassino); I.Azzopardi(Sliema W.);S.Bajada (Birkirkara);J. Caruana(Hibernians);L. Dimech (Valletta); A. Muscat (Sliema W); B. Said (Marsaxlokk); K.Scicluna (Valletta);

Midfielders:G. Agiust Valletta; R. Briffa (Valletta); A. Cohen(Hibernians); C. Failla (Sliema W); R. Fenech Sliema W); G. Mallia (Birkirkara); J. Pace (Valletta); K. Sammut (Marsaxlokk); I.Woods (Sliema W)

Forwards: E. Barbara D. Bogdanovic (Barnsley); M. Mifsud; J.P. Mifsud Triganza (Sliema W); A. Schembri (SK Karnten)