Malta U-21 set for summer training in Sheffield

The Malta U-21 squad will be holding a two-week pre-season training camp at the Sheffield United FC facilities in August, Kevin Blackwell, manager of the English Championship club, confirmed yesterday.

The Blades, who sport a visitMalta.com logo on their shirts, are currently fourth in the league standings with 66 points. They profited from a 10-day lull for World Cup qualifiers to have a short break here.

After playing eight matches in the last six weeks, Blackwell felt the time was right for his team to get together and recharge their batteries before a final push for promotion to the Premier League.

"The past month has been very busy for us in football terms. So, we felt the time was right to give the players a deserved break in what has become our second home, Malta," Blackwell said.

"We have just played six very important matches that had a huge bearing on our promotion aspirations.

"We did pretty well, notching wins over Birmingham, our promotion rivals, Coventry, Derby County and Cardiff City.

"Our objective is to finish in the top two. Wolves may look out of our reach at the moment but we have Birmingham within our sights even though they are six points ahead. But, we have a game in hand so we can add more pressure on them."

The Sheffield United contingent arrived on Monday and Blackwell has already been in talks with Malta coach Dusan Fitzel about possible co-operation programmes between the Malta FA and Sheffield United.

Blackwell confirmed that in August the Malta U-21 team will be holding a training camp at Bramall Lane.

"An agreement has already been reached and the Malta U-21 squad will travel to Sheffield in summer to hold a two-week training camp ahead of the new season," Blackwell said.

"Since the start of our partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority, we made it clear we were ready to help in the development of Maltese football. So, we're making our facilities available for the Malta U-21s to conduct their pre-season.

"We want to make the most of our short stay here and besides training, one of our coaches will meet other Maltese coaches in a seminar and some of our players will also visit young patients in hospital."

Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber plays for Sheffield United but he is currently engaged with the national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Denmark and Hungary.

Asked on Haber's progress since his move to Bramall Lane, Blackwell, himself a former goalkeeper, said: "Justin has improved a lot since he joined us last summer. He takes his training seriously and his work on the training pitch is mirrored in his showings for our reserves team and the Malta national team.

"His performance against Albania last month, where he was man of the match, was a clear indication of Justin's commitment to the game. We're really delighted to have him at us.

"Unfortunately for him, it's very difficult to break into our first team as we have two other classy keepers in Paddy Kenny and Ian Bennett. Our defensive record in the past few weeks has been very good and it's difficult for me to change personnel.

"But I still believe that Justin will keep fighting for the no.1 jersey, something he should achieve in the near future."