Busuttil urges players on for Italy match

Malta U-23 coach Carmel Busuttil has challenged his players to prove their worth on the international scene as the team makes its first appearance in the International Challenge Trophy when they face Italia Lega Pro at the National Stadium this evening.

This is the first time in several years that Malta is participating in this UEFA competition that has attracted the participation of 11 teams from the continent. Malta were drawn in Group A which also includes Belgium and Romania.

Busuttil, who is also the assistant national team coach, has selected an 18-man squad. Most of his players ply their trade in the Premier League and some also boast experience in the national team set-up.

"The whole concept behind this tournament is to give footballers no longer eligible to play for the U-21s the chance to stake a claim for a place in the national team," Busuttil told The Times.

"Having opponents of the calibre of Italy, Belgium and Romania is an ideal barometer for all the players in the squad and I'm looking forward to these matches. Italy will be formidable opponents for us but I'm confident our team can produce a creditable showing."

Among the players on Busuttil's list are Ryan Fenech, Clayton Failla, Steve Bezzina, Edward Herrera and Paul Fenech, currently on the fringes of the national team and all expected to feature prominently in this tournament.

After the Italy qualifier, Busuttil's U-23 team will travel to Belgium on March 31 and then host Romania on April 21.

Today's kick-off: 19.00.

Referee: Marco Borg.