Pierre Borg selects preliminary squad

New national coach Pierre Borg has named a preliminary squad ahead of the European B Championship, in September, in Turkey.

The tournament will be played between September 3 and 11. Two years ago the national team, then coached by Dirk Dowling, achieved an impressive third placing and a bronze medal.

Borg has picked 22 players, including four goalkeepers. The squad will be trimmed to 20 on August 24 when the official list will be registered at the LEN offices. The national coach will eventually select 13 players for the trip to Istanbul.

Also in Borg's selection is Maltese-Australian James Falzon who plays for Sliema Burger King.

The complete list of 22 players:

Goalkeepers: Joseph Caruana Dingli (Sirens), Josie Cachia (Sliema), Niki Gouder (Neptunes), Ian Bugeja (Marsascala).

Defenders: Paul Privitera (Marsascala), Francesco Cutajar, Clint Debono (both Sliema), Karl Montfort (Sirens), David Camilleri (Neptunes).

Forwards: John Paris, John Soler (both Sliema), Christof Cauchi (Sirens), Karl Galea (Neptunes).

Flank players: Neil Cassar, Clint Mercieca (both Sirens), Michele Stellini, Charlie Zammit, Niki Lanzon, Matthew Pisani (all Neptunes), James Falzon, Edward Aquilina (both Sliema), Paul Fava (Marsascala).

Junior national coach Anthony Farrugia also named his squad ahead of the European Junior Championship in Malta. He will conduct a training camp before the start of the tournament.

Goalkeepers: Ryan Coleiro (Sliema), Andrea Sammut (Neptunes).

Defenders: Sean Gravina (Neptunes), Gianluca Lubrano (Sliema).

Forwards: John Brownrigg (Neptunes), Mark Meli (Sliema), Matthew Zammit (San Giljan).

Flank players: Mark Borg Spiteri (Marsascala), Clyde Bonello (San Giljan), Liam Grixti (Marsascala), Andre Bianchi (Sliema), Julian Rizzo Naudi (Sirens), Adam Borda (San Giljan), Steve Camilleri (Neptunes).