Paul Fenech (left) reckons keen competition for places is a good thing for the national team. Photo: Paul Zammit CutajarPaul Fenech (left) reckons keen competition for places is a good thing for the national team. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar

It has taken Paul Fenech a long time to prove that he has what it takes to hold down a regular place with the national team but his perseverance is paying off.

A month short of his 28th birthday, Fenech is set to earn his 25th Malta cap in tonight’s Euro 2016 Group H qualifier against Bulgaria at the Vassil Levski Stadium after his enterprising performances in the last three outings went a long way to convincing coach Pietro Ghedin of his qualities as a hard-working and clever midfielder.

“Match practice is very important,” Fenech told The Sunday Times of Malta when asked about his transformation from a fringe player to a first-team regular under Ghedin.

“I was given the opportunity to fight for my place and I believe that my performances showed the coach that I can perform at this level.

“That said, I know that I have to keep working hard to stay in the team.

“There is strong competition for places in the national side, especially in midfield, but that is a good thing as it keeps you on your toes.”

Since bursting onto the scene with Naxxar Lions, his home club, Fenech has established a reputation as one of the best midfield players in the country.

The lack of extra inches in height initially raised question marks about his chances of thriving on the international scene but Fenech has long allayed those doubts with his work ethic, tactical nous and ability to flit into scoring positions from his central midfield station.

The previous games are in the past... we know that we need to improve and that we have to be fully concentrated

Since joining championship contenders Birkirkara, Fenech has won a host of honours, in-cluding the BOV Premier League, and he also claimed the most coveted individual award after being named MFA footballer of the year at the end of season 2013/14.

With Birkirkara, Fenech has been one of their most consistent performers in the last four years.

This season, the Stripes have struggled for consistency but, in spite of the team’s fluctuating performances, Fenech’s form has remained constant.

“I always try to maintain my consistency,” Fenech, who has taken over the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Gareth Sciberras, said.

“You go through different experiences in football and all teams have their ups and downs.

“We haven’t been consistent this season but I do my best to remain positive. I don’t want to disappoint my team-mates. I’m always looking to lift the team’s confidence levels, especially in difficult moments.

“If I’m not playing well or allow my head to drop, that would not help the team.”

Fenech is hoping that Malta build on their fine showing of last month against Italy when they meet Bulgaria tonight.

“We hope to build on our last showing,” Fenech said.

“It will be a tough game for us but we are looking forward to it.

“After last year’s result (6-0 defeat in 2014 World Cup qualifier), we are determined to give a better account of ourselves.

“The previous games are in the past. We know that we need to improve and that we have to be fully concentrated.

“We have no fear because this is a game of football. So, we are confident that we can produce a good performance and hopefully score our first goal in this competition.”

The positive atmosphere among the players in Ghedin’s squad has further increased Fenech’s motivation.

“The atmosphere is very good,” Fenech said.

“There’s great motivation among us players to make up for the heavy defeat we suffered against Bulgaria last year. That game was my first start for Malta and I’m certainly determined to do better this time around.”

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