Footballers are expected to do their talking on the pitch and that is exactly what Justin Haber did last weekend.

Birkirkara’s decision to recruit a foreign goalkeeper, Bosnian Mirza Hamzabegovic, during the January transfer window underlined their willingness to pep up competition for the no.1 shirt.

Inevitably, the arrival of a new goalkeeper also cast doubts over Haber’s future with the club amid suggestions that Birkirkara are not entirely happy with his consistency this season.

His cause was hardly helped by the soft manner of Sliema Wanderers’ late equaliser in Birkirkara’s previous game as it came following a misunderstanding between the experienced goalkeeper and Edward Herrera.

All this only served to add to the uncertainty surrounding Haber’s position as Birkirkara’s no.1 goalkeeper as reports emerged last week that he might be dropped for the clash with Valletta but coach Paul Zammit decided to keep faith with the 33-year-old.

In many ways, Sunday’s game was make-or-break for Haber.

A stuttering performance in such an important fixture would probably have precipitated his exit from Birkirkara but he responded with a reassuring display that went some way towards proving that, at his best, Haber remains one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.

“Sunday’s game was one of the most difficult we have played this season,” Haber told Times of Malta.

“I was somewhat apprehensive before the match because a lot of things happened during the week.

“Basically, the uncertainty started before the Hibs game as people speculated that I was not going to start.

“I’m not afraid of competition but all the uncertainty and speculation about my position affected me psychologically.

“What happened last week was that, after consulting my coach, I trained on my own for two days.

“I needed to be alone, I needed some breathing space. I don’t have problems with my team-mates but I wanted to concentrate and reflect on my situation.

“Two days before the game, I rejoined the squad for training. It was mostly a psychological thing from my side.

“On Sunday, I was in the starting line-up and I did my best to help the team.

“I’m satisfied that I did my duty well.”

As long as I’m in the plans of the coach and the committee, I have no intention of leaving Birkirkara

Most of the criticism levelled at Haber this season has been over his level of concentration but he’s not concerned.

“When criticism is constructive, I try to learn from it,” Haber observed.

“I’m 33 now and I’ve played in so many games, also in leagues that are more competitive than the domestic championship, that concentration kicks in automatically.

“When you wake up, first you go to the bathroom and then you have breakfast.

“It becomes a ritual and I have no trouble keeping my focus before and during the match but confidence is also vital.”

The Stripes, champions in season 2012/13, will start the third and final round of the BOV Premier League eight points behind leaders Hibernians.

With the points halved after the end of the second round last weekend, Birkirkara are level on 22 points with Valletta but they would have been closer to the top had they not squandered six points after conceding late equalisers in their last three outings – against Hibs, Sliema and Valletta.

Haber, who pulled off two point-blank saves from Ryan Fenech and Abdelkarim Nafti on Sunday, believes that Birkirkara can take a lot of positives from their resilient showing against Valletta.

“In the last three games, we were denied the three points at the death,” Haber said.

“We were not happy to concede late equalisers but I have confidence and faith in our squad.

“On Sunday, we faced a very strong opponent and the tempo of the game was very high.

“Let’s not forget that we were missing five key players. I believe that if we continue to heed the instructions of the coach, we will do well in the final months of the season.”

Although Hibs, still unbeaten after 22 games, are in a very strong position to win the title, Haber has not given up hope.

Title hopes

“It’s very difficult but there are still many points up for grabs,” he said.

“As long as it’s still mathematically possible, I will keep believing.

“Valletta are in the same situation as us.

“As a goalkeeper, I found it more difficult playing against Valletta than Hibernians because they attack from all angles.”

Since joining from Mosta in January 2013 on a two-year deal, Haber has been Birkirkara’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

Last summer, Haber was linked with a return to Floriana, his hometown club, as well as a move to Hibernians but he stayed put.

The events of late have called Haber’s future with Birkirkara into question but he has no plans to leave the club.

“I am from Floriana originally but Birkirkara is my home,” Haber said.

“I spent three years with Birkirkara before moving abroad and this is my third season with the club after my move from Mosta.

“I’ve won every honour with Birkirkara.

“Obviously, every player goes through a bad patch, that is normal in football, but as long as I’m in the plans of the coach and the committee, I have no intention of leaving Birkirkara.

“In fact, I have already told the club that I’m willing to extend my contract.

“I want to keep giving my service to this club but my priority is to concentrate on the third and final round of the championship and the FA Trophy quarter-final (against Pietà Hotspurs).

“The Trophy is an important target for us.”

Haber’s display on Sunday will surely have strengthened his confidence besides consolidating his status as Birkirkara’s no.1 goalkeeper, at least in the short term, but the former Ferencvaros custodian is not getting carried away.

“Every player must prove himself on the pitch,” Haber said.

“We all have to deal with questions and doubts about our performances but we must answer back on the field of play.

“I felt I did well in the last game but I’m already looking ahead to the next one.

“In football, you’re only as good as your last performance.”

Malta coach Pietro Ghedin, who takes in most of the Premier League games on weekends, will have been pleased with Haber’s improved form last Sunday.

Haber may have fallen behind Andrew Hogg in the pecking order but he remains a valued member of the Malta squad.

With Ghedin constantly gauging the form of the local players ahead of next month’s overseas commitments against Georgia (friendly) and Azerbaijan (Euro 2016) qualifier), Haber has certainly improved his chances of earning a place in the travelling squad.

“The current system means that the players have no guarantees that they are going to be in the national squad,” Haber said.

“I only concentrate on doing well for my club and if, in that final week before an international match, the national coach picks me, I will be happy,” Haber said.

“I always make myself available as I’m honoured to represent my country.”