National team coach John Buttigieg appeared buoyant for Malta’s first competitive encounter after some time when the local boys face Croatia in the forthcoming European Championship qualifying group this evening (kick off 7pm).
Speaking during a press conference yesterday morning, Buttigieg said that the group of players responded well during training adding that he was convinced that they would be their best albeit against very hard opposition.
The press conference was also addressed by Manny Muscat who is again turning out in Maltese colours for this game. He said that although it will be a tough encounter, he was confident that the team will display a collective effort.
Asked on the condition of the players, Buttigieg said that there were no particular injury problems and that all the squad was fully fit. When asked about the reason for Daniel Bogdanovic not being in the squad, Buttigieg said that he had missed a number of training sessions due to his commitments with his new club Blackpool and thus could not be selected for the encounter.
Buttigieg also commented on the first two rounds of the BOV Premier League adding that he was satisfied with the level shown so far although there was still room for improvement.
The coach has not made known his starting line-up for this evening’s clash. Michael Mifsud had been in doubt until a few days ago after suffering a hamstring injury with Valletta FC, but he is expected to lead the team this evening.
Buttigieg will have the following squad at his disposal:
Goalkeepers: Reuben Gauci - Marsaxlokk FC, Andrew Hogg - Valletta FC
Defenders: Andrei Agius - As Melfi, Steve Borg - Valletta FC, Roderick Briffa - Valletta FC, Jonathan Caruana - Valletta FC, Clayton Failla - Hibernians FC, Carlo Mamo - Marsaxlokk FC, Joseph Zerafa - Birkirkara FC.
Midfielders: Trevor Cilia - Birkirkara FC, Paul Fenech - Birkirkara FC, Ryan Fenech - Valletta FC, John Hutchinson - Chengdu Blades, Manny Muscat - Wellington Phoenix, Jamie Pace - Valletta FC , Gareth Sciberras - Birkirkara FC.
Forwards: Andrew Cohen - Hibernians FC, Michael Mifsud - Valletta FC, Andre` Schembri - Olyimpiakos Volou, Ivan Woods - Floriana FC.