Albania squad for Malta qualifier

Albania coach Arie Haan yesterday named a 19-man squad for Wednesday's World Cup Group One qualifier against Malta at the National Stadium.

Haan has included a number of foreign-based players in his selection, the likes of goalkeeper Arhjan Beqaj, of Anorthosis Famagusta, Energie Cottbus's Ervin Skela, Chievo striker Erjon Bogdani and Burnley's Besart Berisha.

Dusan Fitzel, the Malta coach, is expected to announce his 18-man squad on Monday.

Albania have five points from four matches, the same as Portugal and Sweden, although the latter have a game in hand.

Unbeaten Denmark have taken seven points from three matches and share top spot with Hungary who have played a game more.

Malta are bottom of the group with no points from four matches. Albania beat Malta 3-0 in Tirana last September.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Arjan Beqaj (Anort-hosis Famagusta), Isli Hidi (Alki Larnaca), Samir Ujkani (Palermo).

Defenders: Andi Lila (Tirana), Armend Dallku (Vorskla), Debatik Curri (Vorskla), Ansi Agolli (Tirana), Kristi Vangjeli (Aris), Endrit Vrapi (Elbasani), Elvin Beqiri (Vllaznia).

Midfielders: Ervin Skela (Energie Cottbus), Gilman Lika (Hacettepe), Ervin Bulku (Krivbas), Elis Bakaj (Tirana), Klodian Duro (Omonia).

Forwards: Erjon Bogdani (Chievo), Hamdi Salihi (SV Ried), Xhevahir Sukaj (Hacettepe), Besart Berisha (Burnley).