He’s back... Striker Michael Mifsud (left) will wear the no.9 shirt at Sliema Wanderers this season. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Malta’s flag-bearers in this season’s UEFA competitions will be looking to get some much-needed match practice under their belt in the Euro Cup Friendly Tournament.

Hibernians take on fellow Europa League hopefuls in the opening match of this pre-season competition this evening at 7 with champions Valletta meeting Bir-kirkara tomorrow.

All matches are being played at the Centenary Stadium.

Branko Nisevic, the Hibs coach, has lost defender Ryan Camilleri, who has joined Valletta, but welcomes back three players from loan spells, namely Triston Caruana, Ayrton Azzopardi and Keith Tanti.

Neil Chetcuti has returned to training after recuperating from cruciate surgery but the young defender is not match fit for this tournament.

Malta midfielder Bjorn Kristensen is still part of Hibs’ squad as his proposed move to Cypriot club AC Omonia has not materialised so far.

“This tournament is a good opportunity to see the players on trial as well as those who have just returned from loans,” Nisevic said.

“It’s also a useful competition in this phase of pre-season training as the players will gain some match practice.”

Nisevic is currently gauging the qualities of an English striker who is expected to be involved in today’s match.

Brazilians Rodolfo Soares and Marcelo Dias are not available for selection as, until yesterday, they had not returned from their holidays.

Like Hibs, Sliema Wanderers started their pre-season training around two weeks ago.

The Blues have been in the news for much of the past four weeks amid reports that a group of foreign investors were keen to invest in the team but there have been no concrete developments despite all the hype about the arrival of a high-profile coach and a host of ageing stars.

Nevertheless, on the field, it has been business as usual for Sliema who are doing their pre-season training under the guidance of Italian coach Alfonso Greco and have already made one major signing after capturing Malta captain Michael Mifsud.

Mifsud, 33, is set to make his first appearance for Sliema this evening while Italian defender Andrea Scozzese, who is likely to be offered a contract, and trialist Marko Potezica are also expected to figure for the Blues.

“The lads have been training hard in the last 10 days,” Greco said.

“Our squad is settled as there have not been many changes from last season.”

Greco is confident that Mifsud will have a positive impact on the team.

“Michael Mifsud has settled in nicely,” Greco said.

“He’s an important player, a big personality who has had a great career. I’m sure he will help the team.”

Agius bow

In tomorrow’s second game, Gilbert Agius will make his bow as Valletta coach in the clash with Birkirkara.

Valletta have brought in three players in the close season, namely goalkeeper Nicky Vella, Maltese-Australian winger Adrian Zahra and Camilleri.

Agius is also expected to give a run-out to Spanish midfielder Xavi Munoz. He is having a trial with the Citizens who will play in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

Birkirkara are due to fly back to Malta today after a week-long training camp in France.

During the training camp, Paul Zammit had a close look at a number of trialists. Three of the foreign hopefuls have impressed Zammit but it remains to be seen whether they will play a part in tomorrow’s match.

Malta midfielder Rowen Muscat is not training with Birkirkara as he is hopeful of earning a move abroad.

Programme
Playing today: 19.00 Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers.
Tomorrow: 19.00 Valletta vs Birkirkara.
Sunday: 19.00 Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta.
Monday: 19.00 Birkirkara vs Hibernians.
Wednesday: 19.00 Hibernians vs Valletta.
Thursday (June 26): 19.00 Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara.