Birkirkara feel they are still in contention as they meet Metalurg Skopje in the Macedonian capital this afternoon (kick-off 5pm).

The two teams are level at 2-2 after last week’s first leg at the Hibernians Stadium, and although Metalurg have the advantage of the away goals, the Stripes are encouraged by their very good performance.

It is to be said that the local side had dominated proceedings for most of last week’s encounter and showed great character in fighting back twice to earn a draw.

However, it was also a missed chance for the Stripes as on that day, they should have emerged winners. Apart from suffering two soft goals which they should have never conceded, they also failed to turn their superiority on the field of play into the goals that matter.

One is sure that coach Paul Zammit has worked hard throughout the past few days to keep the players concentrated on this match in the hope that they can win in Skopje and qualify.

It is certainly not an impossible task after having seen their opponents in action. Zammit is encouraged by the news that international midfielder Gareth Sciberras will possibly be available after missing last week’s clash through injury.

Although Sciberras, one of the Stripes’ kingpins in midfield, remains in doubt, however, he has been training regularly with the squad in Skopje. If available, it will be a major boost for the Stripes contingent.

Zammit has the following squad at his disposal:

Goalkeepers: Reuben Gauci, Karl Magri.

Defenders: Rodrigo Pereira, Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa, Ryan Camenzuli, Ian Schembri, Andre Cassar, Patrick Borg.

Midfielders: Fabian Zammit, Ryan Scicluna, Rowen Muscat, Paul Fenech, Gareth Sciberras, David Spiteri.

Forwards: Joselito Dos Reis Santos, Shola Shodiya, Jorge Santos Silva, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza,Michael Camilleri.