Mifsud eyeing major breakthrough

Michael Mifsud's goal in the 2-5 home upset to Bosnia on Saturday may not have had a significant impact on the final scoreline but its importance for the Lillestrom striker should be not be overlooked.

Coming from a purple patch in the Norwegian league, where Mifsud is now firmly established as one of the top foreign players, the 25-year-old's brisk performance and his 86th minute netting provided further confirmation of his ability to deliver at the top level.

His stock in the market has certainly been on the rise in what Mifsud regards as a crucial season, one that will hopefully see him land a lucrative move to a more glamorous league in Europe.

"I'm satisfied with the way this season has fanned out for me so far," Mifsud said.

"It's all down to hard work and commitment. I always give my all during training and games to try and improve.

"From day one this season, I wanted to make a lasting impression both for Lillestrom and Malta. I have come to regard this season as the most important in my career due to the fact that my contract with Lillestrom runs out at the end of November and also because my progress last term was disrupted by a long-term injury."

Lillestrom's bid to win the league has surely derived further momentum from Mifsud's sparkling form as his position as the club's leading league marksman with nine goals illustrates.

Second in the championship with 33 points from 18 matches, Lillestrom are very much in the reckoning for the title but Mifsud envisages a hard struggle.

"We are up there with the top teams but it's a very tight race with only a few points separating the main challengers," Mifsud said.

During the summer transfer window, Mifsud's name was linked with a host of clubs in England and Italy, with teams like Watford, Coventry and Udinese reportedly impressed by his potential as a fast and skilful forward.

Although Mifsud make no bones about his desire to move to a better league, he did not shed much light on his likely destination.

"Lillestrom offered me a new contract last season but I turned it down because my ambition is to join a bigger club," Mifsud remarked.

"There is no cause to rush. I will be a free player after November and that will give me ample time to listen to offers before the January transfer window.

"Some clubs were keen to sign me this summer (Coventry officially made a bid for Mifsud) but their approaches were turned down by Lillestrom. We are fighting for the league and Lillestrom wanted me to stay and help their challenge."

Newcastle were also talked of as potential suitors of Mifsud after his lively display in the first leg of their Intertoto Cup third round tie this summer at St James's Park.

"Those matches against Newcastle certainly put me in the spotlight but every game is a showcase because you never know who might be watching you.

"I have been told that scouts have watched quite a large number of Lillestrom matches this season," Mifsud said.

National team influence

Mifsud also readily acknowledges that his outings for the national team have helped him advance in his career.

"The national team means a lot to me," Mifsud reflected.

"I have always been proud to represent my country.

"I would like to think that my experience abroad has also aided the national team in the sense that I'm more confident in my abilities when I play for Malta."

Casting his mind back to Saturday's 5-2 defeat to Bosnia, Mifsud said: "The result was negative but there were several positive aspects about our performance.

"At least, we tried to be constructive when we had possession and also created a string of scoring chances.

"The good thing is that we no longer resort to defensive tactics in international games. Most of the goals conceded against Bosnia could have been avoided but hopefully, we'll learn from our mistakes. The atmosphere in the squad is OK now and the players are willing to help each other."

Tonight's encounter with Turkey is another massive test for Malta.

"It's another big game for us," Mifsud said.

"Turkey have a great level of technique and like to play fast, flowing football."

Although Malta coach Dusan Fitzel is still in search of his first positive result since succeeding Horst Heese in January, Mifsud had positive words for the Czech coach.

"Mr Fitzel is very smart," Mifsud said.

"He understands the players and knows the game inside out. I also like the fact that he studies opponents in detail."

Although Malta's chances of gaining something from tonight's match are as good as nil, Mifsud has high hopes of an improved performance.

"I'm optimistic in nature," he said.

"I believe in myself and my team-mates. We will work hard to give a good account of ourselves but it will not be easy."