Safe hands... Andrew Hogg holds the MVP trophy.Safe hands... Andrew Hogg holds the MVP trophy.

On a high after playing a starring role in Malta’s 1-1 draw at Bulgaria on Sunday, goalkeeper Andrew Hogg had further cause to be happy on Wednesday after being presented with the Most Valuable Player trophy following matchday nine of the Greek Super League.

Hogg is enjoying a fantastic season with AEL Kalloni who are third in the Greek championship with 18 points from nine games, four behind early leaders PAOK and just two adrift of Olympiakos.

According to an internet poll carried out by Nova Sports, the top sports television network in Greece, Hogg was the most outstanding player on matchday nine of the Greek Super League, played before the international break.

The 29-year-old was shortlisted for the award after turning in a man-of-the-match performance in Kalloni’s 2-0 win away to Panio-nios on November 9.

“I’m pleased as this is the first time I’ve won this award,” Hogg told Times of Malta.

“I found out last Wednesday that I had been voted Most Valuable Player by Nova Sports website visitors.

“This award is another boost for my confidence. It has further strengthened my conviction that I’m good enough to compete with the best.”

Hogg has cemented his status as Kalloni’s no.1 goalkeeper after a string of reassuring performances.

The former Valletta custodian has been central to Kalloni’s positive start to the season, keeping seven clean sheets in nine games.

“We have the best defence in the league with only two goals conceded so far,” Hogg said.

“We have a very good group of players and a good set-up. I believe that we are on track to reach our objectives this season.”

In an interview with The Sunday Times of Malta before last month’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy, Hogg revealed that Kalloni were keen to open discussions on a new deal as his present contract runs out at the end of the season.

Asked for an update on talks over a new two-year deal, Hogg replied: “Let’s just say that we’re very close (to reaching an agree-ment).”

Hogg has really come of age since making the bold decision to step out of the comfort zone in the local Premier League in search of a new, sterner challenge overseas.

After one season with Enosis Neon Paralimni, in Cyprus, Hogg signed for Kalloni in the summer of 2013.

Over the past four years, Hogg has also succeeded in holding down a regular place with the national team, vindicating Pietro Ghedin’s confidence with a series of solid displays.

Malta feat

In Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier, Hogg and his defensive team-mates came under intense pressure but he rose to the challenge, especially in the second half. His last-minute save from substitute Alexander Tonev secured Malta’s first point in Group H.

“It was very important for us to get a good result in Bulgaria for a lot of reasons,” Hogg commented.

“Winning a point raised our spirits. It was the perfect way to answer our critics. An away draw against Bulgaria is not an easy feat.”

The draw ensured that Malta ended a difficult year on an upbeat note. They now have a four-month break before the clash of the Group H minnows with Azerbaijan on March 28.

“We can’t predict the future,” Hogg replied when asked if Malta can aspire to pick up more points in the remaining qualifiers.

“It’s not easy and we need to keep working hard. We play Azerbaijan away in March and I believe it will be possible for us to gain something from that match.”

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