Malta U-21 squad announced

U-21 coach Mark Miller and assistant Silvio Vella yesterday announced their 18-player squad for Friday's opening Group Eight UEFA Championship qualifier at the National Stadium against Sweden. In the previous edition of the U-21 UEFA Championship Malta...

U-21 coach Mark Miller and assistant Silvio Vella yesterday announced their 18-player squad for Friday's opening Group Eight UEFA Championship qualifier at the National Stadium against Sweden.

In the previous edition of the U-21 UEFA Championship Malta finished bottom in Group One with a single point to show but no goals for and 13 conceded in eight matches.

The most experienced player in the squad is Shaun Tellus. The Sliema defender played 12 times for Malta U-21 while Ian Zammit, of Valletta, is the only one in the group still to make an appearance.

In the previous edition, Sweden made it to the finals phase after finishing second in the qualifying group behind Poland. They reached the semi-final but lost to Serbia 6-5 on penalties.

Sweden's bid to secure a place in the Olympics failed after they lost the play-off for third place 3-2 to Portugal in extra-time.

Malta U-21 Squad

Goalkeepers: R. Gauci (Floriana), A. Hogg (Pietà).

Defenders: J. Mifsud (Msida), R. Mintoff (Hibs), A. Muscat, S. Tellus (both Sliema), K. Zammit (Valletta).

Midfielders: A. Agius (Sliema), R. Bajada (Msida), S. Bajada, C. Cassar, T. Cilia (all Floriana), M. Brincat (Hamrun), C. Frendo (Pietà).

Forwards: N. Baldacchino (Floriana), S. Magri (Melita), I. Zammit (Valletta), T. Scerri (Hibs).

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