Unflappable Sciberras keen to make up for lost time

Life has been a constant uphill struggle for Gareth Sciberras for much of the past five years but things are finally looking up for the affable Marsaxlokk midfielder.

After receiving a surprise recall to the national squad in July, Sciberras went some way towards allaying any lingering doubts about his fitness as he delivered a typically robust performance in the heart of Malta’s midfield in the friendly against Macedonia (1-1) last month.

As Malta prepare to embark on their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a match against Israel tomorrow, Sciberras is hoping that the start of a new competitive season for the national team also marks an upturn in his fortunes.

“After a four-year absence, I was surprised to learn that I had been named in the squad for the new season,” Sciberras reflected.

“I was so delighted that the national coach had shown faith in me but to be honest, I wasn’t expecting it because I missed most of last season with injury.

“Suffice to say that I had surgery on a double hernia and only returned to playing for Marsaxlokk in the latter stages of the season.”

Since coming to prominence as a young, dynamic midfielder with Pietà Hotspurs, Sciberras has always been considered as having all the attributes to become a fixture in the national side.

When Sciberras graduated from the U-21 team to the senior squad, it looked a matter of when not if he would force his way into the first XI only for his progress to be undermined by long-term injuries.

“I had the misfortune of suffering a series of injuries in the last few years,” Sciberras said. “There were moments when I was really down because one setback followed another. It’s hard to stay positive when you are constantly battling against adversity.”

Apart from football-related injuries, Sciberras was also the unlucky victim of an accident three years ago that almost left him blind in one eye.

With the approval of then national coach Dusan Fitzel, several members of the Malta squad were participating in a paintball game when a rubber bullet accidentally hit Sciberras in the eye.

The injury was serious as Sciberras was told that he may never recover his full eyesight.

“It took me four months to come back from that injury,” Sciberras recalled. “I couldn’t even go to work because the injury was serious… I wasn’t even sure if I was going to recover 100 per cent. Luckily I did.

“It was at that time that I lost my place in the national squad.”

Sciberras’s story is indeed one of extraordinary willpower and determination as this young man also had to deal with personal tragedy after his parents died within weeks of each other a few years ago.

But, there was no hint of self-pity as Sciberras spoke enthusiastically about his return to the national squad and the impending challenges.

“Fingers-crossed, things are looking better now,” the 27-year-old enthused.

“I’m back in the national team and the set-up here is excellent.

“Being here has given me the opportunity to focus 100 per cent on regaining my fitness and I’m feeling much better now.”

Sciberras claims little has changed in the national team’s set-up in the past three years.

“I haven’t noticed any big differences,” he said.

“As always, there is a strong competition for places and everyone takes training very seriously. The facilities are great and it’s good to train morning and evening at Ta’ Qali. I think the training scheme is a must for Malta to narrow the gap with the other nations in international football.”

The Macedonia friendly was Sciberras’s first competitive outing since the end of the club season and his first start for Malta in the last three years but the Marsaxlokk midfielder passed the test with flying colours.

Not one given to boastful comments, Sciberras admitted that he didn’t have the legs to last the 90 minutes.

“I was unable to finish the game against Macedonia because I was not at the peak of my physical condition,” Sciberras said. “It was my first start since the end of the league in May and my first international game in many years.

“Overall, I was satisfied with my performance but we all played well, especially in the second half. We did well to keep possession and not rush things.”

In light of his strong showing against Macedonia, it seems safe to assume that Sciberras stands a good chance of playing a part in tomorrow’s qualifier at the Ramat Gan Stadium.

“I’m delighted to be in the squad,” Sciberras said.

“If the coach decides to call on my services, I will do my best to carry out his instructions. I always do my utmost to be useful to the team. Football is not about personal glory, it’s about doing well as a team.”

And who would begrudge Sciberras a taste of personal glory after all he’s been through in the last few years.