Real test coming up for Malta against Slovenia

Malta U-21 kick off their 2011 European Championship qualifying campaign this afternoon when they host Slovenia at the Hibs Ground (kick-off: 15.30). This encounter will be the opening fixture from Group Eight that also includes France, Ukraine and Belgium.

Coach Edwin Camilleri has a good number of newcomers in his squad as most of his players are in for their debut in this competition.

Camilleri, a former Malta defender, is not discouraged though and thinks today's match will be an ideal test to gauge the potential of some of his players at this level.

"We only started working together in January and looking at the list we there are only two or three who already played at this level," Camilleri told the media yesterday.

"Lately, we played two friendlies against Denmark (0-1) and England C (0-4) and despite the unfavourable scorelines we still got some useful feedback. However, I told the players that this match against Slovenia will be the real test to see where we stand competitively.

"The squad has trained really hard these past three months and the players look sharper. The friendlies were a useful exercise but this match against Slovenia will be a different proposition."

Camilleri's preparations were hampered with a series of injuries.

Defenders Owen Bugeja (flu) and Ryan Camilleri (knee), midfielder Mark Scerri (knee) and strikers Dylan Kokavessis (knee) and Terence Vella (flu) are all ruled out.

To make up for the absentees, the U-21 coach has drafted in a group of players from the U-19 squad, including Sliema duo John Mintoff and Miguel Ciantar.

"I have always contended that while results were important for the team, my objective is to try and nurture as many players as possible not only to become regulars in the Premier League but also to force their way in the national team one day.

"Unfortunately, we have some players missing. However, it's not all doom and gloom as we can still bank on the likes of John Mintoff and Miguel Ciantar who have impressed in their last showings in the Premier League. Hopefully, their enthusiasm will spur on the rest of the team.

"We know Slovenia will be serious contenders in this group but we have no plans to be negative.

"We will try to push forward and, perhaps, score a goal. We're the underdogs, no doubt. So, anything gained from this match will be an added bonus."

The Squad

Goalkeepers: H. Bonello (Sliema), N. Vella (Valletta).

Defenders: S. Bonnici (Floriana), A. Borg (Mosta), S. Borg (Mosta), J. Zerafa (Birkirkara), T. Farrugia (Msida), C. Gatt Baldacchino (Tarxien), D. Pisani (Floriana).

Midfielders: R. Chetcuti (Warrington FC), K. Pulo (Pietà), J. Mintoff (Sliema), J. Buttigieg (Nadur), M. Ciantar (Sliema), B. Muscat (St Patrick).

Forwards: W. Chircop (Tarxien), B. Camilleri (Hibernians), J. Galea (Melita).