Emanuel Briffa during training in Istanbul, yesterday. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar

Pietro Ghedin’s future as Malta coach is still up in the air but that is not stopping the Italian from thinking about the future of the national team.

The presence of four U-21 players in his 20-man squad for this afternoon’s friendly against Jordan, being played at Istanbul’s Maltepe Stadium, is testament to Ghedin’s willingness to bring in fresh blood ahead of the start of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign next year.

Emanuel Briffa, the Floriana flank defender who has come to prominence in the last two seasons, and Luke Montebello, the Valletta striker currently on loan with Tarxien Rainbows, have earned their first senior call-up while Ryan Camenzuli, the Birkirkara winger, and Llywelyn Cremona, the Valletta midfielder, have also secured a berth in the squad.

Camenzuli has made one senior appearance for the national team but Briffa, Cremona and Montebello are still uncapped.

“We need to think about the next generation of players,” Ghedin explained.

“We need to give space to the ones coming up to show what they can do, without detracting from the merits of the established players who have been representing the country for several years.

“This is a process but the doors are open to everyone. Surely, all players, regardless of age, must show that they have the right attributes to play for the national side and the willingness to be part of the squad.”

Today’s match against Jordan was arranged by MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo who has forged a close relationship with Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein, the Jordan FA head who has rejoined the race to succeed Sepp Blatter at the helm of FIFA.

Darmanin Demajo has des-cribed the match as a sign of friendship between the two federations and an act of solidarity with Prince Ali for his courage in challenging Blatter at the last FIFA presidential election in May.

Beyond the symbolic and political connotations, Ghedin views the game as an opportunity for the players to show their pride.

“From my point-of-view, the purpose of this game is to continue what we’ve been doing in the last few years,” Ghedin said.

“It’s an opportunity to show our pride. We want to show that we also have a good team. It’s a chance for the players to demonstrate that they are attached to the national colours and proud of what we’re doing.”

Ghedin will stick with five at the back for today’s game.

The absence of key defenders Jonathan Caruana, Zach Muscat and Ryan Camilleri means that Briffa and Pembroke’s Owen Bugeja, a late addition to the squad, could be in line to start.

Goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, of AEL Kalloni, and AC Omonia striker Andrè Schembri have linked up with the national squad in Istanbul.

Malta beat Jordan twice in previous friendlies but they will be no pushovers this time round.

Indeed, a stern test awaits Ghedin’s men this afternoon as Jordan have raised their level significantly in recent years.

Last month, they underlined their progress with a 2-0 win over Australia in a World Cup qualifier and currently top their group with four wins and one draw from their opening five qualifiers.

“Jordan are very aggressive and fast,” Ghedin said.

“I’ve seen videos of two Jordan games. They play with a lot of pride as if to show the world of football that they deserve the respect of all.

“Jordan have had a series of incredible results in their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign… they are in great condition.”

In the latest FIFA rankings, Jordan climbed to 82nd place as Malta trail in 158th position.

This friendly comes less than a month after the national team completed their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a creditable performance in a 1-0 home defeat to Croatia.

It remains to be seen whether the players show the same motivation as in competitive games but Ghedin will not tolerate any complacency.

“I want my players to approach this game with the right motivation levels,” Ghedin said.

“As I always say, it’s all about pride.

“It could be that the players may be tempted to relax after the Euro qualifiers but it’s up to me and my staff to motivate the squad.

“We can’t afford to drop our guard and I will not accept that.”

At the last Malta Football Association council meeting, Darmanin Demajo confirmed that the members of the Executive Committee had declared themselves pleased with the national team’s performances under Ghedin, a position that effectively paves the way for the association to open talks with the 62-year-old over a new contract.

Asked if he was willing to stay beyond the end of his current deal which expires next month, Ghedin replied: “I’m open to discussions but there has to be a reciprocal agreement.”

Previous encounters

Friendly internationals
03-04-1985: Malta vs Jordan - 3-1
09-02-2002: Malta vs Jordan - 2-1

Malta (probable)
A. Hogg, C. Failla, S. Borg, A. Agius, E. Briffa, J. Zerafa, B. Kristensen, R. Briffa, P. Fenech, A. Schembri, A. Effiong.

Kick-off: 4pm (Malta time).