Heese names squad for Seville friendly

National coach Horst Heese and his right-hand man Carmel Busuttil yesterday named an 18-man squad for Wednesday's friendly match between Malta XI and an Andalusian selection, to be played in Seville at 9.15 p.m.

Pietà Hotspurs goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin has been omitted from the squad after skipping Thursday's training session due to other commitments. His place on the list has been taken by Floriana's Malta U-21 goalkeeper Reuben Gauci.

Heese also opted to leave out of the trip Hibs' youngster Andrè Schembri who currently has some differences with the club and was absent from the squad for Wednesday's 2-1 Super Five Cup semi-final defeat to Sliema Wanderers. Birkirkara striker Michael Galea pulled out of the squad because of work commitments.

The Maltese contingent is due to fly out to Seville tonight and will return home on Thursday afternoon.

The squad...

Goalkeepers: R. Gauci (Floriana), J. Haber (Birkirkara).

Defenders: I. Azzopardi, S. Wellman (both Floriana); J. Chetcuti, A. Muscat, B. Said (all Sliema W.); K. Spiteri (Hibs).

Midfielders: G. Agius, M. Grima (both Valletta); C. Frendo, I. Woods (both Pietà H.); G. Mallia (Birkirkara); P. Pullicino (Hibs).

Forwards: E. Barbara, J. Pace (both Marsaxlokk); T. Cilia (Floriana); A. Cohen (Hibs).