Barry agrees to join Balzan

Following the speculation surrounding his future, Valletta goalkeeper Ernest Barry last night agreed to join Balzan Youths.

Charles Camilleri, president of Valletta, yesterday told The Times that the 36-year-old Barry was to sign for the Premier League newcomers later this week after an agreement over his transfer was reached by all parties.

Balzan, who started their league commitments with a 5-1 defeat to Floriana last weekend, have made no secret of their interest in signing the former Malta goalkeeper but at one stage, the proposed move had been shelved after they failed to agree terms for his release with Valletta.

Last night Sandro Azzopardi, the Balzan Youths vice-president and media officer, said Barry's proposed move to their club was back on track and in fact the deal had already been struck.

Lately, Barry had also been linked with a return to Sliema Wanderers but yesterday president Robert Arrigo said that they will not be making any changes to their squad.

Barry is still expected to be in the Valletta party travelling to Geneve this morning for Thursday's second leg of their UEFA Cup qualifying round tie against Neuchatel Xamax.

Neuchatel are firm favourites to reach the first round of the UEFA Cup on the back of their 2-0 win in the first leg at Ta' Qali.

Atanas Marinov, the Valletta coach, cannot take a full squad to Switzerland as Darren Debono and Milen Penchev are injured, Ivan Tonchev is ineligible and Gilbert Agius is suspended after his sending-off in the home leg.

Notwithstanding his ban, Agius will make the trip with the rest of the Valletta contingent today.

Birkirkara, Malta's other representatives in the UEFA Cup, yesterday arrived in Hungary ahead of their match with Ferencvaros. The Budapest giants take a comfortable 5-0 lead into Thursday's second leg.