National coach Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia, above, said today’s match against Hungary should prove to be a good exercise for the youthful team to prepare themselves for the forthcoming two qualifiers against Slovenia and Sweden in June.

He said: “As usual, it will not be an easy match, even if it is a friendly. But I am taking this opportunity to take a look at the new players, especially Ryan Scicluna and Jonathan Bajada. They both deserved their selection after the good performances for their respective teams,” he said.

Farrugia added that he is not happy with the fact that the team has obtained five points in the qualifying round so far. “We should have had four more even if some of our performances were disappointing. However, in some matches, especially against Finland, I think we should have won with some more luck and attention. I am certainly not disappointed with the record in our last eight matches – one win, three draws and four defeats.”

Farrugia, as usual, was very optimistic. “With a collective effort I believe we can also beat Hungary. It is our main weapon. I expect my players to rise to the occasion and those who do not give their 110 per cent will not be in my squad. We have to work as a team not individually,” he added.

Farrugia went on to shower praise on Robert Gatt. “We have now been working together for one year. He has been doing an excellent job. The fact that Kristensen and the two Muscats, Zach and Rowen, had been selected for the national team squad shows that we are all doing a good job. The future of the national team is in the hands of these youngsters. This is the result of the excellent atmosphere reigning at Ta’ Qali. I am sure there will be an improvement,” he added.

Farrugia has the following squad at his disposal:

Goalkeepers

Adrian Parnis - Xewkija Tigers FC; Steve Sultana - Qormi FC.

Defenders

Owen Bugeja - Floriana FC; Yessous Camilleri - Balzan Youths FC; Matthew Gauci - Hamrun Spartans FC; Luca Martinelli - Mosta FC; Zach Muscat - Pieta Hotspurs FC.

Midfielders

Jonathan Bajada - Mosta FC; Clyde Borg - Floriana FC; Triston Caruana - Qormi FC; Sheldon Grech - Mosta FC; Rowen Muscat - Birkirkara FC; Ryan Scicluna - Birkirkara FC.

Strikers

Miguel Ciantar - Balzan Youths FC; Daren Falzon - Naxxar Lions FC; Jean Paul Farrugia - Marsaxlokk FC; Steve Pisani - Hibernians FC; Terence Vella - Mosta FC.

Free admission

The public will be able to watch today’s matches free of charge.

At Ta’ Qali the gates will be open from 6pm (kick-off 7.30pm) while those at the Hibernians Stadium for the Under 21 match will open at 2pm (kick-off 3pm).