The Maltese players heeded their coach's plea for their full commitment ahead of the international encounter against Georgia on Wednesday. Although it was only a friendly match, all the players involved performed to the best of their capabilities to grind out a rare 2-0 win and give new coach John Buttigieg a positive debut.

The new national coach, only at the helm for the last three weeks, was satisfied with his players' commitment.

Serene, but reserved as always, John Buttigieg praised his players for giving their all against Georgia when speaking to the media after the match.

"It was a difficult match" the coach declared. "Georgia were perhaps slightly better in the first half but we improved in the second and I think we deserved the win."

Notwithstanding, Buttigieg is aware that there are still various elements to improve upon. The Maltese team still tends to show lack of concentration in certian moments.

Buttigieg acknowledged the work of his predecessors for what the national team has achieved this far and for now he intends to keep on working on the same lines with the same players.

"It's not fair for us, as new coaches, and the players to make changes at this point. We want to give the present players the chance to prove that they merit their place in the national team" he said.

Hardly surprising when one considers that coach Buttigieg inherited the best elements available. Only that, as he himself confirmed, there is a limited selection of players who can really make it with the national team.

Buttigieg is of course targetting the forthcoming World Cup qualifying match against Sweden on September at Ta' Qali.

Five days earlier, Malta plays another friendly against Cape Verde Islands (ranked above us in 114th place).

Asked whether he would change a winning team, the national coach made it clear that Sweden are different opponents from Georgia and Cape Verde.

By that time, the Premier League would have started with two rounds of matches. Much depends on the players' form, fitness and availability then.

The Malta coach does not give age much consideration as long as the selected players can still give a valid contribution to the team. The likes of keeper Mario Muscat, defender Brian Said or midfielder Gilbert Agius proved his point against Georgia.

Michael Mifsud, who is still looking for a club this season, was the night's hero with his two second half goals. The striker, who fluffed Malta's best chance in the first half, atoned with two splendid goals, but failed to get all the praise from his coach.

John Buttigieg refused to single him out but emphasised that the whole team was responsible for the victory against Georgia

He made six substitutions in the second half. But keeper Andrew Hogg and Roderick Briffa were the most effective.

Hogg pulled two smart saves in crucial moments when Georgia were pressingfor an equaliser. Briffa provided the passes for both Mifsud's goals.

The 2-0 win means Malta did not concede a goal for only the second time in 34 internationals. Mifsud's goals were also Malta's first in almost a whole year.

Can John Buttigieg turn the tide?