Malta’s Under 21 national team plays Finland today in their first test of the Euro 2011-2013 qualifiers at the Tehtaan Kentta Stadium in Valkeakoski and then faces Lithuania in Siaulai next Tuesday.

Today’s match kicks off at 6pm.

These are two very intriguing games for Ray Farrugia’s youngsters as they take on tough opponents in Group 2.

The other teams in the Group are Sweden, Ukraine and Slovenia.

Some 12 players in the Malta squad of 19 hail from Premier League clubs, mostly from Hibernians, but very few of these, with the exception of Birkirkara’s Rowen Muscat (captain) and Vittoriosa’s Leughton Grech, and to some extent Floriana’s Owen Bugeja commanded a regular place in their team this season.

That might leave Malta’s side short of enough competitive football which is essential when facing foreign opposition of the same age group.

Coach Farrugia will select the team from the following players:

Goalkeepers- Balzan Daniel (Hibernians ); Parnis Adrian (Sannat Lions ) ;Sultana Steve (Gozo F.C.)

Defenders- Bugeja Owen (Floriana); Camilleri Yessous (Rabat Ajax); Cassar Cleaven (Pieta H.); Farrugia Kane Paul (Mosta); Gauci Matthew Robert (Hibernians); Martinelli Luca (Melita); Muscat Zach (Pieta H.); Xerri Jonathan (Vittoriosa S.)

Midfielders- Borg Clyde (Floriana); Caruana Triston (Hibernians); Kristensen Bjorn (Hibernians); Muscat Rowen (Birkirkara)

Strikers- Pisani Steve (Hibernians); Ciantar Miguel (Sliema W.); Grech Leighton (Vittoriosa S.); Vella Terence (Birkirkara).