Malta face France in Miller's farewell match

Malta's U-21 team end their commitments in the 2007-09 European Championship Group 10 qualifiers this evening when they face France at the Stade de la Liberation in Boulogne-sur-Mer (kick-off: 6.30 p.m.).

Although the Maltese youngsters are out of the running for a place in the play-offs, however, the match still holds special significance as it will be Mark Miller's final match in charge as Malta U-21 coach. The English mentor will step down from the U-21 post after today's qualifier to take over the reins of Premier League club Hibernians.

A good result against the French would be the ideal farewell for Miller who has been serving at the MFA's youth sector for the past eight years. However, the French are widely tipped to produce a strong performance in today's match as they must get all three points at stake to keep their hopes of pipping Wales and Romania to the top of the group and qualify for the play-offs.

Wales are currently top of the group with 15 points from seven matches, one point ahead of Romania who have played a game less. The French are three points further adrift, also from six matches.

Malta are bottom of the group with three points from seven matches.

Miller is sure to be without midfielders Paul Fenech and Ryan Fenech who are suspended. Andrei Agius is out injured.

It will be no surprise if he includes some new faces that did so well in last month's 1-0 friendly win over Liechtenstein at Ta' Qali.

The squad

Goalkeepers: H. Bonello (Sliema); L. Woods (Wealdstone).

Defenders: S. Bezzina (Valletta), S. Borg (Mosta), R. Camilleri (Pietà Hotspurs); J. Caruana (Hibs), C. Failla (Hibs), T. Farrugia (Msida), D. Pisani (Floriana).

Midfielders: E. Agius (Hibs), M. Bartolo (Sliema), W. Chircop (Tarxien), D. Falzon (Valletta), J. Zerafa (Birkirkara).

Strikers: A. Buhagiar (Birkirkara), E. Herrera (Hibs), S. Meilaq (Ħamrun Spartans), Ian Zammit (Valletta).