Birkirkara wing-back Edward Herrera and young Valletta FC midfielder Llywelyn Cremona have been dropped from the Malta squad as national coach Pietro Ghedin yesterday finalised his list of players for Friday’s match against Norway at the National Stadium.

When Ghedin announced his provisional list of players for the upcoming Euro 2016 group qualifiers earlier this month, he included 19-year-old Cremona who has featured regularly for his team in the Premier League this season.

However, the Malta coach has opted to retain the likes of Bjorn Kristensen, Ryan Scicluna and Steve Pisani who were also part of the squad for the 2-0 defeat to Croatia in the opening qualifier.

Experienced midfielder Roderick Briffa is back after regaining full fitness while Sliema defender Clifford Gatt Baldacchino has been retained to fill the void left by the injured Jonathan Caruana.

Valletta’s Steve Borg is unavailable as he will be serving suspension, paving the way for Balzan wingbacks Justin Grioli and Steve Bezzina to keep their place in Ghedin’s squad which includes 23 players as the national team will be engaged in a second group qualifier in a matter of days when playing Italy on Monday, also at the National Stadium.

Winger Herrera started the match for Birkirkara against Tarxien Rainbows last week but was withdrawn midway through the second half.

Ghedin’s selection

Keepers: J. Haber, A. Hogg, N. Vella.

Defenders: A. Agius, S. Bezzina, R. Briffa, C. Gatt Baldacchino, R. Camilleri, C. Failla, J. Grioli, Z. Muscat.

Midfielders: A. Cohen, P. Fenech, R. Fenech, B. Kristensen, J. Mintoff, R. Muscat, S. Pisani, A. Schembri, R. Scicluna.

Forwards: M. Mifsud. J.P. Farrugia, T. Vella.