Haber keen to start medals' collection

Justin Haber may be just 21 years old but he is already a household name in local football circles, never mind his popularity as one of the top male models on the islands.

His close season move from Floriana to Birkirkara served to enrich his image and the Malta Under-21 goalkeeper is now looking to break new ground by winning his first major honour of his burgeoning career.

This evening's FA Trophy final against champions Sliema Wanderers (kick-off 7.30 p.m.) provides Haber with a good chance to start his medals' collection.

Having been on the losing end when Floriana were defeated by Valletta in the much-vaunted Centenary Cup final, Haber is determined to help Birkirkara retain the Trophy.

"Sunday's game against Floriana was my first Trophy semi-final and I am quite pleased with the way I coped with the pressure," Haber told The Times. "Now I am about to be involved in my first final and I can't wait for the game to start.

"Sliema are difficult opponents but we are confident in our abilities. I am looking forward to the game and so are the rest of my team-mates," Haber said.

Sliema are on a high after winning the league and moving into the final of the Trophy at the expense of Hibs.

The Blues also ought to gain strength from their track record against Birkirkara this season... they beat them twice in the league with the other two games ending in a draw.

Haber is not too perturbed by that Sliema edge this season.

"The atmosphere is very good and the expectations are high. We know we are playing against a strong team but the prevailing feeling here is that we can go and win this final," Haber said.

Lino Galea was due to undergo a fitness test yesterday but otherwise Birkirkara coach Stephen Azzopardi has a full squad at his disposal. He is unlikely to tinker with his formation after their fine performance in the 4-1 defeat of Floriana in Sunday's semi-final.

Haber also played his part in his team's progress to the final, saving a penalty at a crucial stage of the semi-final tie. His fine displays of late have helped to bolster confidence after he had encountered some sharp criticism after Birkirkara's 3-2 defeat to Sliema in an important Championship Pool encounter.

"My form has been good in the last few months," Haber said. "The truth is that I had never played so many games in one season before I joined Birkirkara. With Floriana, I was not playing week in week out. I signed for Birkirkara to play regular football but it was not easy to cope with so many fixtures in one season.

"The coach and Roger Camilleri, the goalkeepers' trainer, have helped me mature a lot. As the season progressed, I gained in confidence and I feel I am better prepared to handle the psychological strain that comes with playing for a big club.

"I endured a very difficult patch after we lost to Sliema in the Championship Pool. My confidence was at a low ebb and I was a bit hesitant in the next few games but I have fully recovered from that trough," Haber said.

Haber sees today's final - Birkirkara's fifth in a row - as an opportunity to break his duck and to bolster his reputation as he bids to graduate to the senior national squad.

"A final is always a massive game not just for the clubs but for all the players involved. These are the sort of matches which can enhance one's reputation.

"There is no hiding that my sights are set on establishing myself in Malta's senior team when my time with the U-21s is over in a few months' time.

"I am sure many other players are looking at the final as a chance to show their worth and that should make for an interesting encounter," Haber said.