Steve Borg (no.4) in action for Malta against Georgia on Wednesday. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar

Steve Borg has not been involved in a competitive game for Malta since his infamous dismissal in the opening half of the 2-0 defeat to Croatia back in September.

After serving a three-match ban for lashing out at Mario Mandzukic, Borg made his return for Malta in Wednesday’s friendly in Georgia. This evening, the Valletta defender is set to make his first appearance in a Euro 2016 qualifier since his red card in Zagreb when Malta face Azerbaijan in Baku.

Famed for his competitive streak and physical strength, Borg, 26, must be raring to go but stressed that he is motivated to do well not only to erase the memories of his red card in Croatia but also to help the team gain a positive result.

“When I was sent off against Croatia, I knew that I could miss up to three games,” Borg told Times of Malta.

“After such a long absence from the national team, I’m very much looking forward to this game and determined to help the team attain a positive result.

“This is not about me, it’s about the team getting something from this game.”

Borg made this declaration with a strong tone that left no doubt about his conviction that Malta can indeed ruffle Azerbaijan’s feathers this evening.

“100 per cent after our performance against Georgia,” was his prompt reply when asked about Malta’s chances of adding to the solitary point gained against Bulgaria in November.

“Before Georgia opened the scoring, we had a great chance to take the lead (Alfred Effiong’s shot came off the post). We then conceded a goal that was a clear handball but the overall display has strengthened my belief that we can get a result here.”

For all his optimism, Borg knows that this qualifier will be no stroll in the park as the embattled Azerbaijan will be going all out to end their dismal start in Group H after four consecutive defeats.

“We are aware that this is going to be a difficult match. We have a point from four games whereas Azerbaijan have none. They will be going all out to get that first point,” Borg explained.

I must admit that I got a bit tired physically in the Georgia friendly because I hadn’t played at the right-back position for a long time

“The game will be tough and the tempo will be high but we are prepared.”

Although Borg missed the 1-1 draw against Bulgaria in November, he reckons that the benefits of that uplifting result are still being felt today as the morale of the Maltese players is high.

“After the draw in Bulgaria, the team is more confident,” Borg said.

“On paper, Bulgaria are stronger than Azerbaijan and therefore we can do even better in this qualifier.”

Given his strength and pace, Borg looks more suited for the centre-half role but he has been regularly deployed at right-back for club and country.

In Wednesday’s friendly, Borg played on the right as national coach Pietro Ghedin kept faith with Jonathan Caruana, Andrei Agius and Ryan Camilleri in the heart of defence.

Borg has no qualms about filling in on the flank but he admitted that the right-back position is more demanding, physically and psychologically, than central defence.

“I’m comfortable playing in both positions,” Borg said.

“I must admit that I got a bit tired physically in the Georgia friendly because I hadn’t played at the right-back position for a long time.

“On the flank, you have to run a lot, going up and down the pitch, and it can be tiring, also psychologically, as when you are tracking back, you have to refocus quickly.

“The long trip to Georgia may also have been a factor but I feel more confident now.”

• Kevin Azzopardi has travelled to Azerbaijan courtesy of Turkish Airlines.