U-21s looking forward to next UEFA qualifiers

With the UEFA U-21 home qualifiers against Slovenia and Finland fast approaching, Malta’s U-21 team have stepped up their preparations in recent days.

The U-21s had been due to play a friendly today but the proposed warm-up against the U-19 side of Juventus fell through.

The lack of a warm-up game has been generally viewed as a setback but coach Ray Farrugia, with the backing of the Malta FA, tried to make amends by organising a mini-training camp for his players.

“Although we’re not playing a friendly, I have to commend the MFA’s efforts in making it possible for the entire squad to spend a few days together ahead of our upcoming qualifiers,” Farrugia told The Times.

“This move has made it easier for us to train twice daily and everyone, the players and technical staff, have shown great commitment. We’re all aware of our responsibilities and we do our utmost to do our job properly.

“The Under-21 players had not been together for almost two months now.

“One of our top priorities since we returned to training last week was to restore the atmosphere and team spirit we had before the break and this mini-camp helped us a lot in that respect.

“We’re all looking forward to the next home games against Slovenia (Sept. 1) and Finland (Sept. 6).”

Although Farrugia admitted that he’d hoped that his team would play a friendly ahead of the two qualifiers, he’s not unduly concerned.

“Personaly, I’d have preferred to play a friendly but the circum-stances were beyond my control,” Farrugia said.

“Nevertheless, as I said, the MFA did their very best to help the team. Apart from the training sessions, we’ve held some team meetings in the last four days and also had the chance to assess the condition of the players. No doubt, our preparations are on the right track.”

Farrugia and his young charges became the talk of the nation in June after launching their UEFA U-21 qualifying campaign on an excellent note.

After a goalless draw against Finland, they came from a goal down to beat Lithuania 2-1 in Siauliai to go top of Group Two with four points.

These results have rekindled the fans’ enthusiasm for the U-21 side.

“The players are confident,” Farrugia said.

“They’ve told us that they would dearly love to see many Maltese fans at their next games. The players want the Maltese public to support their efforts... they can’t wait to play at home.”

Farrugia and Ronald Vella, his right-hand man, can only be satisfied that their players are approaching the next games with a renewed sense of optimism but Farrugia is adamant that they will not rest on their laurels.

“We have made a step forward but the real battle starts now,” Farrugia said.

Sliema midfielder Mark Scerri is available for the Slovenia game after serving a two-match sus-pension. Striker Jean Paul Far-rugia, who has joined Marsaxlokk on loan from Hibs, is still recovering from injury.