Malta U-21 drew an away friendly against Catania U-19 yesterday in a match that finished goalless despite the two teams’ open play and attacking tactics.

It was the first outing for coach Ray Farrugia on his return to the U-21 fold last month. He is looking to assemble a strong squad ahead of the next Euro Championship qualifiers which start in June.

“You cannot really read too much into this type of warm-ups but I’m still delighted with what I’ve seen,” Farrugia told The Times.

“The team showed great enthusiasm and looked keen to attack but I was particularly pleased with Leighton Grech and Triston Caruana, who came in as a substitute. These are still early days but it’s an encouraging start.”

The only negative note for the team at the Stadio Comunale di Pedara yesterday was a red card to striker Jean Paul Farrugia. He was sent off just before the final whistle for a double booking.

Malta U-21: S. Sultana, C. Cassar, L. Martinelli, R. Muscat, O. Bugeja, K. Farrugia, L. Grech, M. Scerri (c), T. Vella, S. Pisani, M. Gauci.

Subs: D. Balzan, J. Scerri, S. Grech, T. Caruana, J.P. Farrugia, I. Grech, D. Grima.

Catania U-19: Rossi, Calapai, Irrera, Cuomo, Bria, Trovolato, Barberi, Counera, Malafronte, Rapisarde, Nicastro.