Bogdanovic delighted to be back in Malta squad

Daniel Bogdanovic is itching to make up for lost time after receiving his first call-up to the Malta national squad for more than three years.

During his somewhat lengthy exile from the national team's fold, Bogdanovic's club career resembled a roller-coaster ride, one that included stops at no fewer than three different destinations, namely, Marsaxlokk, Gozo's Ghajnsielem and Sliema Wanderers.

Having returned to Marsaxlokk last summer after a turbulent loan stint with the Wanderers, Bogdanovic has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, a fact highlighted by his position at the summit of the scoring charts with 25 goals in 22 matches.

Amidst the highs and lows of his career so far, Bogdanovic's supreme football talent has seldom been questioned but his progress has been dogged by constant scepticism about his attitude.

In this context, his exemplary behaviour this season carried more weight in the eyes of coaches, fellow players and critics than his form on the field of play.

Bogdanovic was in a typically relaxed and confident mood as he reflected on his much-awaited recall to the national squad just a few days before his 27th birthday next Monday.

"My return to the national squad is a just reward for the hard work I've put in this season," Bogdanovic commented.

"I'm happy and honoured to form part of the Maltese team. I will be doing my utmost to make a valid contribution."

Bogdanovic was lost for words when asked to describe his feelings on reporting for his first training session at Ta' Qali on Monday after more than three years in the wilderness.

"I can't find the right words to describe how I felt," Bogdanovic observed. "I was a little excited but it didn't take me long to settle down as I know most of the players in the squad. I have played with all of them bar those of Birkirkara."

The inevitable question about his seemingly improved attitude elicited a frank answer from Bogdanovic.

"Like any normal person, I have learnt from past mistakes," he said.

"I feel that I have matured both as a player and as a person."

Bogdanovic is grateful to Malta coach Dusan Fitzel for giving him a chance to resurrect his international career.

"Mr Fitzel judges players on their performances and behaviour on the pitch rather than on what he hears from other people," Bogdanovic remarked.

"I had the opportunity to meet him a couple of times earlier in the season before he officially invited me to rejoin the squad."

Shifting his focus to Malta's Euro 2008 Group C qualifier against Moldova in Chisinau tomorrow, Bogdanovic claims to be undaunted by the prospect of making his comeback for Malta in what promises to be a tough encounter.

"It will be a hard game but I don't feel under pressure," Bogdanovic said.

"I was never apprehensive before an international match. For me this qualifier is no different from the others.

"Moldova have a valid team and they're playing at home. The cold weather in the evening will probably suit them better because we're not used to such climate.

"All international games are difficult but I am confident that we can do well against them. Moldova are not in the top tier of the international football rankings.

"Malta have had some positive results in the past few months and this should give us the confidence needed to have a go at them."

Bogdanovic has found the atmosphere in the national squad very much to his liking.

"The mood is very positive," Bogdanovic said. "This is a good group of players and I have been struck by the friendship of all those involved in the national team set-up, including the coaches and the other members of the technical staff. I hope this feel-good factor stays for a long time."

Squads arrive in Chisinau

Malta's senior and U-21 squads flew into Chisinau yesterday, touching down at the main airport of the Moldovan capital at around 9.25 a.m.

The 60-strong MFA contingent, plus a group of travellers who seized the chance to explore this remote country, were surprised to discover that the weather here was sunny even though it rained later.

On exiting the modest airport, a local TV crew filmed the Maltese players' arrival.

Fitzel has a 20-man squad here, including three goalkeepers.

On Wednesday, Hibs forward Andrew Cohen and Marsaxlokk midfielder Peter Pullicino ruled themselves out due to injuries.

The latest medical update on the few players rated as doubtful earlier this week, namely captain Gilbert Agius and Kevin Sammut, is encouraging. Both have recovered from knocks and are expected to be in the starting line-up tomorrow.

In the summer of 2005, Sliema Wanderers played a Champions League first qualifying round against Sheriff Tiraspol, of Moldova.

The Wanderers were knocked out by Sheriff 6-1 on aggregate.