Barbara dropped from U-21 squad for disciplinary reasons

Etienne Barbara has been ditched from the Malta national Under-21 squad by coach Mark Miller.

Miller confirmed to The Times yesterday that the defender-cum-midfielder has been ordered not to train with the U-21s but would not divulge the reasons that led to his omission.

"Etienne has been disciplined," Miller said.

This is not the first time this season that the 20-year-old Marsaxlokk player has fallen out with the U-21 coach.

A few months back, Barbara was handed an indefinite suspension by the Malta FA after a training ground dispute with Miller.

Barbara, who had incurred Miller's wrath after a brusque tackle during training, was not considered for selection for the away U-21 qualifier to Cyprus in November, which Malta lost 2-0, but was later reinstated to the squad.

Asked whether Barbara has been slapped with an indefinite suspension, Miller said: "At the moment I can't say anything regarding that. Training at Ta' Qali has been taken away from Barbara."

Barbara was in Malta's formation that lost 2-0 to France in another UEFA U-21 qualifier in Lille last Friday. Miller said that the Marsaxlokk defender had been warned several times to mend his ways.

"This matter is also about a coach trying to build a young team, trying to do things properly but people not allowing him to do that," Miller said.

"The player has been warned. The Malta FA even arranged for him to train full time at Ta' Qali on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but he spurned the chance. Barbara has been sent back to work and has been advised to train with his club," Miller said.

Contacted by The Times, Barbara said: "I am disappointed because I have always regarded playing for my country a great honour.

"I may have committed some mistakes but I don't think these were serious enough to warrant my omission from the squad. I have always given my all to help the U-21 team during matches.

"All I can do now is work hard and perform well for my club to show that I deserve to be with the national squads."