Malta Under-21 coach Silvio Vella has named his 18-man squad for tomorrow’s 2017 European Cham-pionship Group One home qualifier against Belgium at the Hibernians Stadium.

Uncapped trio Myles Beerman, who is on the books of English Premier League club Manchester City, Valletta midfielder Jean Borg and Pietà Hotspurs wing-back Karl Micallef were included in Vella’s selection along with Ħamrun Spartans playmaker Jake Grech who has made one appearance for the national U-21 side.

Tarxien defender Daniel Zerafa is injured while Pembroke striker Luke Montebello is doubtful.

Malta U-21s had enjoyed a terrific start to their qualifying campaign, collecting five points from their opening five qualifiers, all played away from home, but suffered a 7-0 drubbing to Group One leaders Czech Republic in their last outing.

That humiliating defeat came during a turbulent period for the Malta U-21 side after the police launched an investigation into allegations that their previous qualifier against Montenegro, played on March 23 at the Hibs Stadium, was the subject of a match-fixing approach. Montenegro won the game 1-0.

Last month, Malta Under-21 players Emanuel Briffa and Kyle Cesare were acquitted of match-fixing charges in relation to the Montenegro qualifier but they have yet to receive the all-clear from the Malta FA to resume their careers.

The court’s ruling prompted the Malta FA to lift the temporary suspension it had imposed on Floriana right-back Briffa and Pietà Hotspurs Cesare but only after the expiry of the appeal period and that no appeal is lodged.

The duo were left out of Vella’s squad for the match against Belgium, second in Group One and level on 12 points with Montenegro but with a game in hand.

Malta U-21 Squad

Goalkeepers: M. Calleja Cremona (Pembroke Athleta); J. Borg (Gżira United).

Defenders: S. Arab (Balzan); C. Attard (Birkirkara); J. Borg (Valletta); M. Johnson (St Andrew’s); K. Micallef (Pietà Hotspurs).

Midfielders: M. Beerman (Manchester City); J. Bezzina (Hibs); J. Brincat (Birkirkara); R. Camenzuli (Birkirkara); L Cremona (Valletta); J. Grech (Ħamrun); M. Guillaumier (Birkirkara); B. Muscat (Pembroke Athleta).

Forwards: J. Degabriele (Hibs); J. Mbong (Hibs); L. Monte-bello (Pembroke Athleta).

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