Penalty specialist Borg not resting on his laurels

Omar Borg has been a key figure in his team's auspicious start to the new season.

After an inconsistent run had hampered his first term at Birkirkara in 2007, the 27-year-old shot-stopper is now showing his best form to prove he's worth every cent the Stripes paid to lure him from his previous club Msida SJ.

Last weekend, Birkirkara found it hard to crack the Qormi nut but the team relied on Borg to secure the points and move second in the standings with three wins from four matches.

The highlight of Borg's repertoire on Saturday was on 53 minutes when he dived to his left to stop a Joseph Farrugia penalty.

That was a crucial moment in the match as the Stripes went on to preserve their slender 1-0 lead.

The penalty save was the second in succession for Borg this season. The previous week he also made the headlines when he stopped a Pedro Calcado spot-kick in Birkirkara's 2-0 win over Msida.

"I'm very pleased with the way things are unfolding this season," Borg told The Times yesterday.

"Last year, I took a lot of time to settle down following my move from Msida. That left a negative effect on my performances so it was no surprise that I lost my place in the team," Borg, who made 19 appearances for Birkirkara last season, added.

"However, this time it looks much better. I worked very hard during pre-season and that is clearly showing. The coach seems to have acknowledged my commitment and so far I have started all the matches in the league.

"However, I know I cannot afford to rest on my laurels. I still have room for improvement and, besides, the competition for places keeps me motivated to keep my no.1 jersey."

Asked whether he had any secret methods in penalty situations, Borg replied: "I was told that the most important thing in penalties is to stay calm and don't move before the opponent takes the kick. The pressure is on him so you have to be mentally strong. Obviously, you need some extra luck, too, in these situations."

In the close-season, Birkirkara retained almost the same group of players that helped the club win their fourth FA Trophy. Trevor Cilia and Brazilian forward Walter Sander-Landim were the most notable additions in the summer transfer window.

Although not listed among the leading challengers for the Premier League title, Birkirkara's current form suggests differently.

Borg, however, is not making much of this talk and said that the team's main focus is always on the next match.

"We'll take it step by step," he said.

"Consistency is the name of the game in league championships.

"We were very pleased with the three points last weekend but deep down we all know that we can play much better than that. The coach always tells us that we don't have to look beyond our next match. The motivation has to stay high. If not the chances are that you could falter badly.

"Birkirkara are not setting any particular objectives this season. Our target is to win as many points as possible in the first phase and then we go from there."

The Stripes have a daunting opponent up next in the shape of Valletta. The champions will be all out to make up for their below-par showings so far. Borg has little doubts on the tough task awaiting his team.

"Valletta are the team to beat," Borg said.

"They're the champions and during summer strengthened their squad significantly. Besides, they will want to make up for failing to beat Tarxien on Sunday.

"No doubt, victory against us will be the right answer to quell the criticism after that match.

"But, we know we have a very strong team as well and I'm convinced that on our day we can beat them all.

"If we all give our 100 per cent again then anything can happen."

Borg has now been included in the national team set-up for the past few months and is training regularly with Dusan Fitzel's charges. Asked on his aspirations with the national team, Borg was quite frank in his reply.

"It's the dream of everyone to play for his country," he said. "But, to achieve that I need to show more consistency at club level and that has to be my priority now.

"With the national squad there are other excellent keepers in Mario Muscat, Andrew Hogg and Justin Haber.

"However, competition doubles up my motivation to become better and improve my skills. That is the only way I can convince the national coach that I deserve to play for my country."