The friendly match against Albania tomorrow evening (kick-off 6pm) heralds the start of Malta’s build-up for their Euro 2016 qualifiers but it is also the first serious test for the national team since the training scheme for our elite players ceased to exist.

For much of the past three decades, the members of the national squad trained together for at least three times a week but since the 3-2 win over Faroe Islands in a friendly match on November 19, the players have remained with their clubs before reporting for international duty last Thursday.

Despite not sharing a training pitch for three months, Gareth Sciberras, the Birkirkara captain, said the long interlude had no impact on the atmosphere within the national squad.

“The mood is the same,” Sciberras told Times of Malta. “When we met for the first time last week, it felt as if we had not been away for such a long time.

“The players look to have worked very well with their respective clubs.”

Sciberras stressed that being part of the national squad is a matter of great pride for Maltese players.

“In a local context, playing for the national team is the highest achievement,” Sciberras said. “There’s always great motivation among the players before an international match.”

Malta’s preparations for tomorrow’s game have been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the exclusion of the Valletta players over a training issue.

The decision to drop some of the country’s most experienced players, the likes of Roderick Briffa, Jonathan Caruana, Shaun Bajada, Ryan Fenech and Steve Borg, made headlines with Sciberras admitting that it was impossible for the other players not to talk about it.

“Yes, it did affect us a bit,” Sciberras said with refreshing honesty. “When we heard that the Valletta players had been left out of the squad, we naturally asked what was going on.

It’s a useful test to refine the tactics adopted by our coach and a chance for the new players to adapt to the system

“We as players have nothing to do with this.

“At the end of the day, we have to follow the instructions given by our superiors.

“Unfortunately, in many situations like this, it’s the players who suffer. I believe there should be more dialogue between the players, clubs and the association so that things improve in the future.”

Tomorrow’s friendly comes only 10 days after Malta were drawn with Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Norway and Azerbaijan in Group H of the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

“From a footballing point of view, every opponent is difficult for us,” Sciberras, who has played 37 times for Malta, said.

“Some have said that we have Azerbaijan instead of Armenia (who were in Malta’s World Cup qualifying group) but the bottom line is that there are no easy games.

“The fact that Italy are in our group is a bonus for the Maltese public and the two games against them will surely generate a lot of interest.

“All the games are a big challenge for us.”

Albania may not be one of the leading footballing nations but they have improved significantly in recent years. They picked 11 points in the 2014 World Cup qualifying trek and are currently ranked 55th on the FIFA list, 76 places above Malta (131).

“Albania have a strong team,” Sciberras said. “For us, this friendly is a stepping stone for the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

“It’s a useful test to refine the tactics adopted by our coach (Pietro Ghedin) and a chance for the new players to adapt to the system.

“Playing for the national team, our aim is always to produce a good showing and earn the respect of the opposition. We also do our best to get a positive result.

“From a personal perspective, I always try to do my duties and carry out the instructions given by the coach.”

Since returning to the national team’s fold under former coach John Buttigieg, Sciberras has made the holding midfield role his own.

At Birkirkara, Sciberras, who turns 31 later this month, is one of the first names on Paul Zammit’s teamsheet and his performances, alongside Paul Fenech, his midfield partner, were instrumental in the club’s title success last season.

Yet, Sciberras has not had an easy ride to the top as, throughout his career, he has had to overcome a succession of unfortunate injuries.

A few months ago, he missed a number of games after injuring his left shoulder, having earlier broken his wrist and dislocated his elbow, but he is fast rediscovering his best form after recovering from those setbacks.

“I’ve had a series of injuries in my left arm,” Sciberras said. “My performances since returning to action have been mixed. I’m working hard with the coach and technical team to boost my fitness.

“I guess the beauty of football is that if you have a bad game, you can always make amends in the next one.

“As for my game, I need to concentrate on my role and try not to do more than I can on the pitch.”

A leader and warrior on the field of play, a fully-fit Sciberras is an asset for club and country.

His focus is currently on tomorrow’s test against Albania and, after that, Sciberras will roll up his sleeves to help Birkirkara retain the Premier League title.

The Stripes’ elimination from the U*Bet FA Trophy at the hands of Qormi has reinforced his resolve to steer his team to league glory.

“Like everyone at the club, I was very disappointed that Birkirkara were knocked out of the FA Trophy at such an early stage of the competition,” Sciberras said.

“These things happen in the knock-out... you have an off day and the other team pulls off a surprise.

“But our squad is very strong, not just in terms of quality, but also because the players have got character.

“We only have one target left which is to win the league title. We are taking it game by game.

“I believe that, if we devote our full concentration to the next fixture instead of looking too far ahead and remain humble in our approach, we have all the attributes to become champions again.”