MFA Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Vassallo said the national squad was leaving early on Monday because they have a long 12-hour trip before arriving in Tbilisi. “We wish to see our players settling down and be well prepared for the match on Friday,” he said.

Answering questions about the current professional scheme, Vassallo said the clubs and the MFA Technical Centre had found what seems to be a good solution till the start of next year. He added: “But in mid-January, we have to resume talks to find more solutions for the period till November 2011, that is, when the qualifying round comes to an end.”

Vassallo said the MFA administration is committed to improve the levels of local football, that of the referees and to see the clubs having better coaches. “We want an all-round improvement, but we need time, money and resources. If we all work hand in hand, I am sure that in the not too distant future, we will be able to achieve our aims,” he said.