National Under 21 coach Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia is hoping that a capacity crowd at the Hibernians Stadium this evening (kick-off 7pm) will push his boys forward in their campaign.

The Malta side, after having obtained four points from a draw and a victory in its opening two matches – both away – against Finland (0-0) and Lithuania (1-2), is now playing two matches at home.

This evening, Farrugia’s team will be facing Slovenia while on Tuesday, it will be facing Finland. Both matches are being played at the Hibernians Stadium.

It is to be noted that in the last Group 2 match last month, Finland had beaten Slovenia 1-0 in Finland. After that match, Finland joined Malta on top of the group, both with four points. Then come Slovenia on 3 points. Sweden, Ukraine and Lithuania have no points, but the former two still have to start their commitments, while Lithuania have also played two matches.

Farrugia said yesterday he and his assistant Ronald Vella, as well as all his players in the squad, were looking forward with great enthusiasm towards these two home matches.

“I am only concerned with the physical condition of Rowen Muscat and Leighton Grech. Muscat was still in bed yesterday while Grech is recovering from a hamstring injury. I am keeping my fingers crossed and will be waiting till the last moment before taking any decision with regard to the starting line-up. In fact, I am hopeful that both will be available,” he added.

Farrugia launched an appeal to the local fans to go to the Hibernians Stadium today and give their full backing to the side. He said: “Having won four points from our first two away matches is no mean feat. I am convinced we can do even better here on local soil. But we can only do that with the help of our fans. A capacity 2,000 crowd at the Hibernians Stadium will certainly push my boys forward.

“There is enormous talent in the squad at my disposal. And this is the guarantee of a bright future for Maltese football. The players have been told before the Group matches started that they should not give just their best, but their maximum. That is what they are doing and I am proud of these youngsters who have risen to the occasion.”

Farrugia said Slovenia will be a hard nut to crack. “So far they have collected three points. They are just one behind us and Finland. But from what we have seen, they have some technically gifted players who can make all the difference. However, I am convinced that my players will again rise to the occasion. I must say that my team is capable of obtaining at least six points from this group. That is what I asked of the players before we started our commitments. They have all worked very hard. They deserve to be given the right backing by the local fans,” he said.

Also addressing the press yesterday was assistant coach Ronald Vella.

He said: “We are in a difficult group, but we have started on a positive note. The players have done an enormous job so far, but we cannot stop here and say we are satisfied. We have to look forward and be more positive. With the desired support and determination from the players, I am convinced there will be more positive results,” he said.

Both Farrugia and Vella thanked MFA technical director Robert Gatt. “We have always found his backing. He has always acceded to our requests – he goes out of his way to help us,” said Farrugia.

On his part, Gatt also showered praise on Farrugia and Vella as well as all the staff at Ta’ Qali. “We are working hand in hand giving our support to each category. The coaches at Ta’ Qali are doing a great job,” he said.

Finally, Farrugia was asked about his future aspirations, especially an appointment as national team coach. He replied: “I am very happy at the moment. No one knows what lies in store in the future.”

Two of the players, Mark Scerri and Matthew Gauci, were also given the opportunity to answer questions from the press.

They both said that they were all looking forward to these two clashes, starting from this evening’s game against Slovenia. They added that the coach had prepared them well. “We are encouraged by the previous results, but we will certainly need the support of our fans to move forward and obtain more points. The fact that we won four points from our first two clashes away from home, will be something I will remember all my life, said Gauci.

The following is the squad at Ray Farrugia’s disposal:

Goalkeepers: Balzan Daniel (St. Andrews FC), Sultana Steve (Qormi FC)

Defenders: Bugeja Owen (Floriana), Camilleri Yessous (Balzan Youths), Gauci Matthew (Hamrun Spartans), Grech Ishmael (Pieta Hotspurs), Martinelli Luca (Mosta), Muscat Zach (Pieta Hotspurs)

Midfielders: Borg Clyde (Floriana FC), Caruana Triston,Kristensen Bjorn(Hibernians), Muscat Rowen (Birkirkara FC), Scerri Mark (Sliema Wanderers)

Forwards: Ciantar Miguel (Balzan Youths), Farrugia Jean Paul (Marsaxlokk FC), Grech Leighton (Birkirkara FC),Pisani Steve (Hibernians), Vella Terence (Birkirkara FC).