Malta defender Zach Muscat is on a high after playing a key role in Akragas’s win over Catania. Photo: Paul Zammit CutajarMalta defender Zach Muscat is on a high after playing a key role in Akragas’s win over Catania. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar

Emboldened by his strong performance in Akragas’s 3-2 victory over Catania, Zach Muscat has good reason to be optimistic as he switches his focus to the national team ahead of Thursday’s home friendly against Moldova (kick-off 3pm).

“I’m pleased because I had a good game and we won, which is always the most important thing,” Muscat told Times of Malta.

“I’m getting used to the level of football in Lega Pro. We have also improved a lot as a team as, since January, we have kept six clean sheets and won eight games.”

On Sunday afternoon, Muscat showcased the warrior-like qualities that have made him an automatic choice for Akragas whose win over Catania all but eased their relegation fears as the Agrigento club are eighth in Group C on 37 points.

Leading 2-0 at half-time but down to 10 men after Bulgarian midfielder Nikolay Dyulgerov was dismissed on 30 minutes, Akragas came under pressure in the second half.

Playing alongside the reliable Daniele Marino, Muscat came to his side’s rescue on several occasions, twice putting his body in the way of goalbound shots.

The 22-year-old believes that the experience he is gaining will help him raise his performance levels with the national side.

“I believe that this experience will help me give more to the national side,” the former Birkirkara defender said.

“Nowadays, I have a better understanding of (Malta defender) Andrei Agius’s approach on the pitch because his style is perfectly compatible with Italian football.

“Maintaining a high level of concentration is crucial for us to do well at international level.

“I feel that I’m better prepared to cope with the demands of playing for the national team because in Lega Pro, the games are quite intense and as a defender, you have to be focused throughout the 90 minutes.”

Having missed the 2-0 friendly loss to Jordan in November due to a back problem, Muscat is happy to be back in the squad for the warm-up against Moldova, Malta’s first outing for 2016.

“This is the first game for the national team this year,” he said.

“I feel privileged to be part of the squad. That little boy who dreamt of putting on the national team’s shirt still lives in me.

“We have two to three days to prepare for this game and I will do my best to show the national coach (Pietro Ghedin) that I’m worthy of a place in the starting formation.”

Now that he’s testing himself at a higher level in club football compared to the domestic championship, Muscat, who has 12 caps, has no doubt that Malta has enough talent to up its game on the international scene ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign which kicks off in September with a home match against Scotland.

“In my opinion, we need to change our attitude. We have to think positive and believe in our chances of causing problems to our opponents rather than defend all the time,” Muscat said.

“We need to play with more confidence and not be content with a narrow defeat.

“Maybe I’m being too optimistic but we have so many talented players. If we all dedicate ourselves fully to football, I’m sure the level of our national team will go up.”

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