The Malta Under-17 team face their Welsh counterparts in two friendlies in Newport this week.
The two matches are in preparation for the team’s competitive engagements later this year.
In Newport, head coach Sergio Soldano, assisted by Noel Turner, will be able to assess the condition of his players at this early stage of the season as well as integrate them collectively. He will draw on a number of new promising faces from local teams across the board and provide them with an opportunity to gain international experience.
The team has had several physical and technical sessions during the summer months and will now be relishing what should be a cooler environment at the new Welsh Technical Centre in Newport.
The group will be headed by Robert Gatt, Head MFA Technical Centre. He will be accompanied by team manager Jesmond Abela as well as other coaches.
Malta U-17 play their first match against Wales on Tuesday and the second friendly is scheduled for next Thursday.
The squad
Goalkeepers: J. Azzopardi (Rabat), M. Sciberras (Balzan).
Defenders: D. Buckle (Hibs), C. Degabriele (Pietà), N. Ghio (Pietà), I. Meli (Sliema), N. Pulis (Pietà), N. Spiteri (Floriana).
Midfielders: C. Borg (Floriana), J.C. Corbolan (Balzan), J. Grech (Ħamrun Spartans), M. Guillaumier (St Andrew’s), M.A. Scicluna (Sliema), M. Sultana (Floriana), N. Tabone (Żejtun).
Forwards: A. Friggieri (Sliema), J. Mbong (Hibernians), K. Nwoko (Luxol SA).