Malta U-23 to face Belgium today

The Malta U-23 team will play their second group match from the International Challenge Trophy away to Belgium today.

After losing their opening group match against Italy 3-1 at the National Stadium last November, the Maltese will be looking to open their account in the group which also comprises Romania.

Coach Carmel Busuttil has selected 18 players mostly plying their trade in the Premier League with defender Andrei Agius, currently on the books of Italian club AS Melfi, the only foreign-based player in the contingent.

The Malta FA is looking at this competition as an ideal test for the players selected to stake a claim for a regular place in John Buttigieg's national team ahead of the start of the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

After today's match in Belgium, Malta U-23 will wrap up their commitments with a match at home to Romania on April 21.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: H. Bonello (Vittoriosa), G. Zammit (Marsaxlokk).

Defenders: A. Agius (AS Melfi), T. Farrugia (Msida), J. Grioli (Tarxien), E. Herrera (Hibs), J. Zerafa (Birkirkara).

Midfielders: M. Bartolo (Qormi), G. Calabretta (Tarxien), R. Deguara (Qormi), C. Failla (Sliema), E. Agius (Valletta), D. Falzon (Valletta), R. Fenech (Sliema).

Strikers: Q. Refalo (Pietà), I. Zammit (Ħamrun), K. Magro (Tarxien), C. Caruana (Floriana).