A group of 21 players, under the guidance of Malta coach John Buttigieg and his assistant Carmel Busuttil, yesterday flew out to Italy for a week-long training camp.

Buttigieg's squad selection for the training jaunt in Castel di Sangro features two surprises as Ryan Camilleri and John Mintoff were named in the 21-strong travelling party.

Hibs defender Camilleri, who was plagued by a series of injuries last season, and Sliema Wanderers winger Mintoff had not been included in the 24-man squad announced by Buttigieg earlier this month.

But, it looks like the withdrawal of a host of established players from this week's training camp has prompted Buttigieg to award a call-up to the young duo.

Birkirkara winger Trevor Cilia (wrist), Valletta defender Kenneth Scicluna (groin) and Sliema wing-back Alex Muscat (knee) are all sidelined with injuries. Sliema Wanderers midfielder Ivan Woods pulled out of the trip as his wife is due to give birth to their third child imminently.

Andrei Agius, widely considered as one of the most-improved Maltese players in the last few years, has been granted permission by Buttigieg to skip the training camp as the centre-half is in the midst of important discussions with a host of clubs over his future.

Agius, who spent the second half of last season with Serie C2 side AS Melfi, is expected to travel to Italy this week to finalise talks with one of his suitors.

The four 'new' faces in the preliminary squad, namely Marsaxlokk duo Carlo Mamo and Gareth Sciberras, Tarxien Rainbows goalkeeper Anthony Curmi and Birkirkara left-back Joseph Zerafa, have received Buttigieg's go-ahead to be part of the contingent for the training camp.

The drills in Italy are an important part of Malta's preparations for their upcoming international commitments, starting with the friendly match against Macedonia at the National Stadium on August 11.

Malta are away to Israel in their opening Euro 2012 Group F qualifier, scheduled for September 2. Buttigieg's men host Latvia at the National Stadium five days later.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Anthony Curmi (Tarxien Rainbows); Andrew Hogg (Valletta); Mario Muscat (Hibernians).

Defenders: Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara); Ryan Camilleri (Hibernians); Jonathan Caruana (Valletta); Edward Herrera (Hibernians); Carlo Mamo (Marsaxlokk); Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk); Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara).

Midfielders: Roderick Briffa (Valletta); Christian Caruana (Floriana); Clayton Failla (Sliema Wanderers); Paul Fenech (Birkirkara); Ryan Fenech (Ħamrun Spartans); Massimo Grima (Ħamrun Spartans); John Mintoff (Sliema Wanderers); Jamie Pace (Valletta); Kevin Sammut (Valletta).

Forwards: Andrew Cohen (Hibern-ians); Michael Mifsud (no club).

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