Pietro Ghedin hailed Malta’s performance in the 1-1 friendly draw against Estonia on Wednesday evening as one of the best of his tenure but urged his players to keep their feet firmly grounded ahead of their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier against Scotland this Sunday.

A 58th-minute goal from Alfred Effiong capped a vibrant showing by Malta who had another glaring chance to hit the winner but Andrè Schembri’s close-range flick came off the far post.

Nevertheless, the Malta players walked off the pitch at the Parnu Stadium comforted by the knowledge that they had given a very good account of themselves against a solid Estonian team.

“This game was good for our morale because our team really played well,” Ghedin told the Times of Malta.

“Estonia are a difficult team to play against. They gained 10 points in the last Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and before that, they collected 16 to make it to the play-offs of Euro 2012 where they met Ireland.

“They are doing quite well in international football but we produced a very good performance, I would say it was one of the best in the four years I’ve been here.

The result against Estonia gives us a lot of confidence but we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground

“With all the inherent difficulties we have to cope with it, I believe that we have done well.”

Malta, who only landed in Estonia the day before the game after their original flight to Tallinn was cancelled, took some time to settle but improved as the game progressed.

When Sergei Zenjov put Estonia ahead 11 minutes into the second half, Malta were up against it but Effiong’s instant equaliser - a close-range flick after Schembri’s astute pass had prised open the home defence - was the cue for Ghedin’s men to further up their game.

Ghedin pointed at Malta’s ability to sustain 93 minutes of high-tempo football as the most pleasing aspect of their display on Wednesday.

“The team looked solid throughout the 93 minutes, giving very little away,” Ghedin said.

“We were strong in defence but we also attacked well. The game was not easy as Estonia tried to press us from the first minute but my players responded well.”

Luke Gambin may have been at the centre of transfer speculation before the game after he turned down a move to Leyton Orient but the Barnet FC winger made good on his assertion that he was only focusing on the national team with a virtuoso showing.

Encouragingly for Malta, with the pacy Gambin now joining Boavista forward Schembri and Balzan’s Effiong in spearheading the forward line, the team’s attacking potential has risen by several notches.

“Luke Gambin had an excellent game,” Ghedin remarked. “He made two great runs into the Estonian box. Effiong was his usual enterprising self, scoring the equaliser, and Schembri was also very effective... he was unlucky to hit the post.

“Overall, Estonia didn’t have a lot of scoring chances. (Andrew) Hogg had a good outing, dealing well with a couple of crosses.

“They tried to put us under pressure but we were covered all over the pitch. We know that we still have certain flaws, especially on the wings, but, at times, we just have to accept our limitations and always strive to do better.”

Hogg recall

Back in the frame after a minor operation and a lack of game time following his premature exit from Greek club AEL Kalloni prompted Ghedin to leave him out of the squad for the Czech Republic and Austria friendlies in May, Hogg, now playing for Hibs, certainly did his chances of keeping the no.1 shirt no harm in the face of strong competition from Valletta’s Henry Bonello.

Quizzed about his decision to recall Hogg ahead of Bonello, Ghedin replied: “Hogg has been the first-choice goalkeeper for a number years. Both of them are doing well but I chose Hogg because of his experience and the fact that he was our regular keeper before missing a few games due to injury.

“In a way, both deserve to play and Bonello is now challenging for a first-team place which is healthy.”

Malta’s effort against Estonia has ensured a tranquil build-up for what promises to be a more gruelling test against Scotland on Sunday. Ghedin is not getting carried away.

“Scotland are a strong footballing nation,” Ghedin said.

“They missed out on qualifying for Euro 2016 by a few points. They are a respected nation and we know that they will be tough opponents but we will be doing our utmost to muster another fine performance.

“We are optimistic and, the most important thing is that the physical condition of our players is good.

“The result against Estonia gives us a lot of confidence but we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground.”

After arriving in Malta yesterday, the players who started the Estonia friendly had a recovery session at the Grand Hotel Excelsior while the remaining members of Ghedin’s 20-man squad had a light session at Ta’ Qali.

Effiong is carrying a slight injury but should recover for Sunday’s match.