Joseph Zerafa... new challenge.

Former Birkirkara wing-back Joseph Zerafa has ended the uncertainty over his future by signing a deal with English club Grays Athletic.

Zerafa parted ways with Birkirkara in August in search of a new challenge in English football.

The 26-year-old, who has made two appearances for Malta, has had training stints with a couple of semi-professional clubs in England before finally securing a contract with Grays Athletic, who play in the top division of the Isthmian League (seventh tier), after impressing coach Jody Brown during a trial.

Brown told the Grays Athletic website, graysathletic.co.uk, that Zerafa has a challenge to adapt to the physical demands of the Isthmian League but hopes the Maltese player can push on, “especially if it means a move higher up the pyramid”

“He comes from full-time football, and has played in Champions League and Europa League qualifiers, so his pedigree is good,” Brown was quoted as saying.

“Football is very different here in England and it will take him time to acclimatise.

“He is here to try and carve out a career in our football after winning the Maltese Premier League and Super Cup.

“Hopefully we can help him establish himself and if he attracts interest from full-time clubs that’s great.”

Grays Athletic are seventh in the league with 20 points from 12 games, 13 behind leaders Maidstone United.