Malta U-17 coach Sergio Soldano has named a 23-strong squad for next week’s Roma Caput Mundi tournament.
The friendly tournament, between February 24 and March 2, is part of the build-up for the UEFA U-17 Championship in Malta from May 9 to 21.
Malta will play England’s college selection in their opening group match on Tuesday. The following day they take on the Italian youth amateur side at the Comunale Stadium before facing San Marino on Thursday.
As the Roma Caput Mundi is an U-18 event, the experience of playing against older opponents should stand Malta U-17 in good stead as they step up preparations for the UEFA U-17 challenge.
Keepers: J. Azzopardi (Sliema); M. Sciberras (Balzan).
Defenders: J. Borg (Valletta); C. Degabriele (Pietá); D. Buckle, N. Ghio, C. Grech (all Hibs); I. Meli (Sliema); N. Spiteri (Floriana); B. Micallef (Rabat).
Midfielders: M. Beerman (Manchester City); C. Borg (Chievo); J. Corbolan (Balzan); J. Grech (Ħamrun); M. Guillaumier (St Andrew’s); M. Scicluna (Sliema); N. Tabone (Floriana).
Forwards: I. Abela (Rabat); L. Brincat, L. Galea, A. Friggieri (Sliema); J. Mbong (Hibs); K. Nwoko (St Andrew’s).