A year on from his first trial with the national team, Luke Gambin has finally been granted Maltese citizenship which clears the way for the Barnet winger to represent Malta in international football.

After breaking the story of Gambin’s training stint with the national team in June 2015, Times of Malta can confirm that the 23-year-old collected his new passport yesterday.

Gambin, whose pace and agility convinced coach Pietro Ghedin that he could be an asset for the national side, is currently in Malta after being named in the provisional 23-man squad for the upcoming friendly matches against the Czech Republic (May 27) and Austria (May 31).

Speaking after joining up with the squad, Gambin said the delay had not dampened his optimism about getting a Maltese passport.

“No, I didn’t give up but it has definitely taken a long time,” Gambin said of his wait to obtain Maltese citizenship.

“I’m obviously glad that I’ve been called up to the squad for these two friendly games.”

Gambin is relishing the prospect of making his Malta debut in this month’s warm-up matches but he knows that international football represents a massive step-up.

“International football is a different level,” he said.

“It’s also a big opportunity for me to test myself against some of the best players in the world.”

“Hopefully, that will happen,” Gambin replied when asked if he was looking forward to earning his first Malta cap in Austria.

“If I get the chance, I would certainly give my best but the main thing is that I’m honoured to be here.”

While admitting that the tempo during training with his English club is faster than that he has encountered since joining the national squad this week, Gambin has been impressed with the individual qualities of his new team-mates.

“There are some really good players here,” he said.

“It’s different to English football in that the rhythm is slower but the players here have a lot of quality.”

His family are proud that Gambin will be donning the Malta shirt.

“My grandmother is Maltese,” he said.

“My family are very proud that I’m going to represent Malta, especially my grandparents who are very happy.”

The diminutive winger said Barnet FC have responded positively to his call-up to the Malta squad.

“Barnet are happy about this. I progressed through the ranks of the club from a young age. I’ve been with Barnet since the age of 16,” he said.

Gambin also declared himself pleased with his progress at club level last season.

“We finished mid-table in League Two. I had a lot of football and I’ve really enjoyed it as well,” he said.

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