Valletta are heading into the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round match against Faroese side B36 Torshavn with a bold conviction that they can challenge for a place in the next round where a clash with Red Star Belgrade awaits the winners.

“We can’t keep looking at ourselves and think that our chances are slim,” coach Paul Zammit told a pre-match news conference ahead of tomorrow’s game at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

“We need to go into these matches convinced that we can fight for qualification and this is how we are approaching these games.”

Zammit declared himself pleased with his side’s preparations for their Champions League commitments. This is in stark contrast with last summer when Zammit, having just replaced Ivan Zammit as Valletta coach, had little time to work with a much-changed squad in a topsy-turvy build-up to their Europa League games against Welsh side Newtown AFC, who progressed to the following round.

“We have basically retained the same squad with a few additions. We have signed two foreign players, Argentines Leandro Aguirre and Santiago Malano, plus Steve Borg.”

Malta defender Borg, who rejoined Valletta after a one-year stint with Cypriot club Aris Limassol, will play no part in today’s game as he has yet to complete his recovery from a fatigue injury.

“Steve has followed a rehab programme but he’s very close to regaining his fitness,” Zammit said.

In addition to Borg and goalkeeper Nicky Vella, who suffered an injury in the 1-1 draw against Birkirkara in a friendly match earlier this month, defender Ryan Camilleri is out as he starts a four-match UEFA suspension following his red card in the second leg of last year’s European game against Newtown.

Zammit was full of praise for the attitude and commitment of his players.

“The players reported back for training on May 26, which was not easy after such a gruelling championship, but the success of Valletta, apart from the support of the administration and fans, is also down to the work ethic and dedication of the players.”

Zammit is clearly not underestimating a team who have 16 games under their belt.

“B36 played 16 games in their domestic championship,” Zammit said.

“Their last game was on Thursday and they travelled to Malta the following day which shows that they are also determined to perform well in these games.

“B36 are fourth in their league. We did our research on them, we know what their strengths are but we are also aware of our own strengths.”