Hibs defender Andrei Agius is hoping that the credible showings of local clubs in this season’s Euro competitions will encourage Maltese players and officials to approach international games with a more positive attitude.
The Paolites pulled off a surprise last week when toppling Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1 in the initial leg of their Champions League second qualifying round match while Birkirkara gave a good account of themselves in their 1-0 defeat to West Ham United at Upton Park last week after advancing to the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
“Our win in the first leg has strengthened our self-belief,” the Malta international told Times of Malta.
“I strongly believe that, both at club level and with the national team, we need to shed the scepticism that has defined our approach for international games so far.
“It’s high time that Maltese teams go into international assignments with a positive mindset and a willingness to work hard to obtain the desired results.”
While Hibs’ come-from-behind win last week has been greeted with euphoria, the Maltese champions are still regarded as underdogs to qualify for the next round.
“There is no doubt that this game will be a lot more difficult than the home leg,” Agius, who turns 29 next month, observed.
“We are expecting a fierce reaction from Maccabi Tel Aviv because the reality is that they want to qualify at all costs.
“Maccabi have many quality players and are doing everything to recover their no.7, Eran Zahavi, who is their key man.
“I’m expecting a backlash from Maccabi.
“They are in an uncomfortable position and have a lot of pressure from the media.”
Emmanuel Igiebor’s first-half goal in last week’s first leg means that a 1-0 win tonight would be enough for Maccabi Tel Aviv to set up a third qualifying round tie against Czech champions Viktoria Plzen.
“Their goal in the first leg gives them an advantage as a 1-0 victory would see them through,” Agius said.
“We know what that we’re in for a tough game but we also need to keep in mind that if we score, we will make their job a lot harder.”
Hibernians showed that they have players who can deliver in front of goal but Agius stressed that the Paolites are strong in every department.
“It’s the team’s collective strength that makes me upbeat,” Agius said.
“In every department, we have the best players possible.”
After winning his first Premier League title in his first season with his hometown club, Agius is keen to achieve more success with Hibernians after extending his contract for another four years.
Agius was reportedly a target for Romanian club CSMS Iasi in the close season but he opted to stay with the Paolites.
“I’m settled at Hibernians,” Agius said.
“A few weeks ago, I was approached by the club president (Tony Bezzina) who offered me a long-term deal.
“I still have a clause in my contract allowing me to leave if I decide to join an overseas club as I wanted to keep my options open.
“At the same time, I’m almost 29 now and, as I said last year when I joined Hibernians, I will only entertain concrete offers.
“Mr Bezzina is now in a stronger position to challenge for higher targets.
“When he heard that a Romanian club were interested me, he immediately expressed his willingness to give me a long-term deal.”