Malta coach Horst Heese has named a provisional 20-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Iceland on June 4 and 8 respectively.
The inclusion of Malta U-21 goalkeeper Reuben Gauci at the expense of the experienced Saviour Darmanin is perhaps the only surprise in Heese's selection. Heese's decision to call Gauci to his squad effectively ensures the Floriana goalkeeper, who has already agreed to join Marsaxlokk for next season, a place in Malta's travelling party. Gauci will provide cover for Birkirkara keeper Justin Haber.
It is a bit confusing, though, that Gauci's name should also appear on Malta U-21 Mark Miller's squad for the UEFA U-21 Championship ties against Sweden and Iceland. The other two keepers in Miller's roster are Pietà's Andrew Hogg and David Farrugia, of Floriana.
Croatia lead Group Eight with 13 points, one ahead of Sweden. Bulgaria are third on eight points followed by Hungary who have seven points. Malta and Iceland are bottom with one point each.
Malta's Provisional squad
Goalkeepers - R. Gauci (Floriana), J Haber (Birkirkara).
Defenders - R. Briffa (Birkirkara), J. Chetcuti (Sliema W.), L. Dimech (Mansfield Town), A. Pulis (Hibernians), B. Said (Sliema W.), S. Wellman (Floriana).
Midfielders - G. Agius (Valletta), S. Giglio (Sliema W.), M. Grima (Valletta), G. Mallia (Birkirkara), C. Mattocks (Sliema W.), K. Sammut (Msida SJ), P. Pullicino (Hibernians), I. Woods (Sliema).
Forwards - E. Barbara (Birkirkara), A. Cohen (Hibs), M. Mifsud (Lillestrom), J. Pace (Marsaxlokk).
Malta U-21 squad
Goalkeepers - D. Farrugia (Floriana), R. Gauci (Floriana), A. Hogg (Pietà H).
Defenders - D. Camenzuli (Pietà), J. Mifsud (Msida SJ), R. Mintoff (Hibs), A. Muscat (Sliema W.), R. Sammut (Birkirkara), S. Tellus (Marsaxlokk).
Midfielders - A. Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), R. Bajada (Msida), S. Bajada (Marsaxlokk), C. Cassar (Floriana), C. Failla (Hibs), D. Falzon (Mosta) P. Fenech (Msida), C. Frendo (Marsaxlokk), G. Sciberras (Pietà H.).
Strikers - T. Cilia (Floriana), I. Zammit (Valletta).