Malta U-21 coach Ray Farrugia yesterday finalised his 18-man squad ahead of the team’s final UEFA U-21 Group Two qualifier away to Ukraine on Thursday.
Johann Bezzina, the Hibs midfielder, has earned his first call-up as Farrugia and his assistant Ronald Vella named no fewer than 10 players who will be eligible to play in the next U-21 competition.
These are Zach Muscat, Ryan Scicluna and Ryan Camenzuli, all of Birkirkara, Mosta defender Ferdinando Apap, Floriana’s Clyde Borg, Hibs trio Bjorn Kristensen, Steve Pisani and Bezzina, Naxxar striker Darren Falzon and Lydon Micallef, currently on the books of Vittoriosa Stars.
Bezzina’s inclusion aside, Farrugia has effectively kept faith with the players who were in the squad for last month’s home friendly against Liechtenstein.
Malta won 4-1 at the Hibs Stadium.
Hibs striker Jean Paul Farrugia and Juergen Pisani, of Pietà, are ruled out by injuries.
“We have selected the best squad possible,” Farrugia said after overseeing a light training session at Ta’ Qali yesterday.
“This being our last match in the group, we’re also looking at the future. Of the 18 players in our squad, 10 can play in the next edition and this game is an opportunity for them to gain more experience at this level.”
Over the past few days, Farrugia has been gauging the qualities of Martin Mintoff, a 19-year-old Australian with dual citizen-ship. Mintoff is currently on a long-term trial with English club Stoke City.
Although Mintoff has been left out of the Ukraine trip, Farrugia claimed that the winger will be in his plans for the next U-21 competition.
“He’s only had a couple of training sessions with us but Martin Mintoff is an interesting player,” Farrugia said.
Since returning to the U-21 fold in January 2011, Farrugia has steered the team to a series of creditable performances, particularly in the initial phase of the Group Two campaign.
The team collected five points from nine matches with their last positive outcome in the qualifiers being the dramatic 2-2 draw against Ukraine at the Gozo Stadium in October last year.
Farrugia’s boys face a daunting task in Kiev on Thursday as third-placed Ukraine must win to stay in the hunt for a top-two finish and a place in the play-offs.
Sweden lead the group with 19 points from eight games.
The Under-21 squad
Keepers: S. Sultana (Qormi), D. Balzan (Hibs).
Defenders: Y. Camilleri (Balzan), Z. Muscat (Birkirkara), L. Martinelli (Sliema), M. Gauci (Qormi), F. Apap (Mosta).
Midfielders: C. Borg (Floriana), R. Camenzuli (Birkirkara), B. Kristensen (Hibs), R. Muscat (Birkirkara), M. Scerri (Sliema), R. Scicluna (Birkirkara), J. Bezzina (Hibs).
Forwards: S. Pisani (Hibs), D. Falzon (Naxxar), T. Vella (Ħamrun), L. Micallef (Vittoriosa).