Malta will jet out to Sofia in the early hours of this morning with three new faces in the squad after Floriana duo Brooke Farrugia and Clyde Borg and Owen Bugeja, the Tarxien Rainbows defender, were named in the 23-man travelling party.

Coach Pietro Ghedin only had to leave out two players from the initial 25-man squad for Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria but Clifford Gatt Baldacchino’s injury-enforced withdrawal meant that the Italian only needed to drop one.

With four goalkeepers to choose from, Ghedin decided to omit Balzan’s Steve Sultana.

Borg’s inclusion is the most eye-catching as he had not been included in the provisional squad, named by Ghedin last week.

The in-form midfielder only joined the squad on Wednesday as a replacement for Birkirkara’s Ryan Scicluna who has been ruled out with injury.

“It was unexpected,” Borg told Times of Malta.

“Everything happened so quickly.

“On Wednesday, I received a call to join up with the group and after training today (yesterday), I was informed that I’m part of the final squad.

“I’m satisfied. This is a milestone for me as being part of the national squad is an important goal for every player.”

Borg is still 22 but he was a key member of the Malta U-21 squad under Ray Farrugia, and is also the captain of Floriana.

The inclusion of Borg and Farrugia in the Malta squad caps an excellent week for the Greens who on Monday beat Birkirkara 2-1 in the BOV Premier League.

“The work we’re doing at Floriana is bearing fruit,” Borg said.

“Apart from the five foreigners, most of the other players in the starting XI are products of the club.

“Floriana show a lot of faith in youngsters and the coach (Giovanni Tedesco) makes sure that every player feels important.”

Farrugia, 21, echoed Borg’s senti-ments.

“I’m pleased as being a member of the national squad is perhaps the biggest achievement you can aspire for in Maltese football,” the young midfielder said.

“I’m prepared to work hard to improve my chances of establishing myself in the squad.

“I have a long way to go but I believe that I’m on the right track.”

Bugeja, who was also a first-choice defender in the Malta U-21 team that collected five points in the 2011/2013 UEFA U-21 qualifiers, was confident of making the final squad after being named on the provisional list.

“Getting into the squad was not easy but once you’re in the 25-man list, your chances improve because the coach only needs to drop two players,” the 26-year-old Tarxien centre-half said.

“I wasn’t expecting to be called but I’ve been working towards this aim for a long time. I’ve represented my country at every level from the age of 10 and the senior squad represented the next step.”

Ghedin has repeatedly signalled his readiness to give young players a chance to train and stake their claim for a place in the national squad.

The Malta FA’s decision to appoint Ray Farrugia as Ghedin’s assistant has also aided this process as the former has worked with virtually all the up-and-coming players in the senior frame.

Bugeja reckons that Farrugia’s experience as U-21 coach is proving beneficial for young players.

“It helps to have someone like Ray Farrugia involved with the senior team because he knows what we can do,” Bugeja said.

“There’s a gap between our Premier League and international football and Farrugia can give his opinion as to which players are capable of making it.”

Caruana returns

There were no other notable surprises in Ghedin’s selection as the Italian has kept faith with his experienced components, albeit there has been a deserved recall for Sliema captain Mark Scerri.

The return of Valletta defender Jonathan Caruana, who missed Malta’s first three qualifiers with a groin injury, is a boost for Ghedin as Steve Borg is still suspended after receiving a three-match ban for his red card in the clash with Croatia.

Captain Michael Mifsud, Malta’s all-time leading scorer with 39 goals but who has yet to open his account for Sliema this season, must serve a one-match ban after his dismissal in the 1-0 loss to Italy last month.

The squad

Goalkeepers: J. Haber (Birkirkara); A. Hogg (Kalloni); N. Vella (Valletta).

Defenders: A. Agius, C. Failla (both Hibernians); S. Bezzina, J. Grioli (both Balzan); O. Bugeja (Tarxien); J. Caruana, R. Camilleri (both Valletta); Z. Muscat (Birkirkara).

Midfielders: C. Borg, B. Farrugia (both Floriana); R. Briffa, R. Fenech (both Valletta); A. Cohen, B. Kristensen (both Hibernians); P. Fenech (Birkirkara); R. Muscat (Dunaujvaros); M. Scerri (Sliema).

Forwards: A. Schembri (FSV Frankfurt); J.P. Farrugia (Spartak Trnava); T. Vella (Naxxar Lions).