Unfit Pulis dropped from Heese's squad

Hibernians defender Adrian Pulis was dropped from the Malta squad yesterday as national coach Horst Heese looked to finalise his 18-man list ahead of tomorrow's friendly against Northern Ireland at the National Stadium.

Heese had no other option but to omit Pulis after the robust defender had skipped training these past few days as he was down with chest infection.

Pulis played for Hibs last Friday in a league match against Pietà but was withdrawn in the second half as he was feeling unwell.

He will miss tomorrow's friendly and Hibs' weekend match against Floriana.

Heese has yet to decide on his starting formation but Hibernians forward Andrew Cohen seems certain to start as a lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation.

Gilbert Agius is nursing a slight knock. However, the skipper is expected to recover in time.

Malta squad

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

Defenders: R. Briffa (Birkirkara), I. Ciantar (Floriana), L. Dimech (Ches-ter), B. Said (Sliema), K. Scicluna (Bir-kirkara), S. Wellman (Marsaxlokk).

Midfielders: G. Agius (Valletta), M. Grima (Valletta), G. Mallia (Birkirkara), C. Mattocks (Sliema), K. Sammut (Marsaxlokk), P. Pullicino (Hibernians), A. Zahra (Birkirkara).

Forwards: O. Anonam (Sliema), A. Cohen (Hibernians), I. Woods (Sliema).