Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg has agreed a new two-year contract with Greek club AEL Kalloni.
Hogg’s current deal had been due to run out at the end of the season but discussions over a new contract started several months ago as Kalloni were keen to retain the services of the former Valletta goalkeeper who has been one of their stand-out performers this season.
“I’m happy to have extended my contract with AEL Kalloni for another two years,” Hogg said when contacted by Times of Malta.
“I’ve got a family to look after. They are my no.1 priority. Stability is very important at this stage of my career and we are living in a place that we like.
“We have a good team that is growing every day. The next step for the club is Europe and I’m very much looking forward to helping Kalloni reach that objective next season.”
Kalloni have failed to challenge for a Europa League spot this season but have all but secured their Super League status as they are 11th in the 18-team championship on 40 points.
Hogg has come through a difficult start to establish himself as Kalloni’s no.1 goalkeeper.
His reassuring performances this season have fuelled speculation that some of the country’s leading clubs are eager to sign him.
“I’ve read in the media that three to four Super League clubs are interested in me but these are only rumours,” Hogg said.
“Furthermore, it’s still a bit early to talk about transfers.”
Although Hogg and his young family are settled in Kalloni, the 30-year-old has not closed the doors on the possibility of joining a new club if the move represents a step forward in his career.
“If anything interesting comes up in the future, I will consider it as I want to go as far as possible in my career,” Hogg said.
AEL Kalloni have four league games remaining but Hogg is unlikely to play again this season after breaking a finger in training.
Hogg, who is expected to travel to Athens today to see a specialist, is disappointed about his injury but admitted that a short rest will not do him any harm after a hectic campaign.
“I’ve played a lot of games this season,” Hogg, who has 40 caps for Malta, said.
“What I’m not happy about is that I was leading the classification of players with most minutes played in the Super League but with this injury, my chances of staying top are over as I could be out for three weeks.
“The most important thing now is to recover well and get some proper rest ahead of the next international games.”
Malta host Bulgaria in their next Euro 2016 Group H qualifier on June 12. Four days earlier, the national team, who lost 2-0 to Azerbaijan in their last outing, are expected to play a warm-up game on home soil.
Lithuania are likely to be Malta’s opponents in the June 8 friendly as talks between the two national associations are progressing well.