Mario Muscat admits that his recall to the Malta squad for tomorrow’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Armenia had taken him by surprise but his sense of duty towards the national team pushed him to accept Pietro Ghedin’s invitation.

Having made his 68th and last appearance in the 2-0 friendly win against Georgia in August 2009, Muscat looked to have ended his international career when, around two years ago, he informed John Buttigieg, the previous national coach, that he was quitting the squad to focus on his club career and his goalkeepers’ academy.

A dearth of first-team opportunities was another key factor behind Muscat’s decision to take a backseat as he fell behind Justin Haber and Andrew Hogg in the pecking order but his break from international football didn’t undermine his status as one of the most reliable keepers in the Premier League.

It was Muscat’s experience that prompted Ghedin to sound out the Hibs custodian about the possibility of being part of his squad for the trip to Armenia after a persistent back problem had ruled Hogg out.

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it,” Muscat said of his recall to the national squad.

“I wasn’t involved in the last Malta games but when Pietro Ghedin rang to ask me to join the squad for the next qualifier, I was pleased.

“I needed some time to think about it because of important family matters but eventually I accepted as I felt it was my duty to help the team after Ghedin explained what the situation was following Hogg’s withdrawal because of injury.”

Despite his long absence from international duty, Muscat stressed that he had stopped short of officially announcing his retirement from international football as he was always prepared to step in if his services were needed.

“Two years ago, I took the decision to stop training with the national squad as I wanted to concentrate solely on my commitments with Hibs and my goalkeepers’ school.

“Nevertheless, I still remained available to give my contribution if the need arose.

“I’ve never concealed my desire to play another match for Malta as I have an ambition to become the most-capped goalkeeper in the history of Maltese football.

“I hope to fulfil this wish but at the moment, I’m only focusing on the game against Armenia.”

Muscat has seen enough in the last two weeks to comment favourably about Ghedin’s work.

“There is a big difference,” Muscat replied when asked whether things had changed since he last formed part of the national squad.

“I don’t like comparisons but everyone knows that Ghedin is a top-level coach who puts a lot of emphasis on tactical work.

“The atmosphere is serene, there is a good group of players. I know most of them.”

Ghedin’s decision to recall Muscat is testament to the latter’s consistency.

“In the last two years, Hibs have been consistent,” Muscat said.

“We have finished runners-up twice in the league and won back-to-back FA Trophy titles. It’s nice that a coach like Ghedin shows faith in your ability.”

Muscat’s return may not have met with universal approval but the 36-year-old deserves credit for showing commitment to the national team in a very difficult time for him and his family.

“The last 18 months have been very difficult for me because of family reasons,” Muscat said in reference to his son’s medical problems.

“In spite of all the hardship, I continued to train regularly with my club and I’ve always tried to make a valid contribution.

“A lot of people don’t know what a player may be going through in his private life and are quick to judge and criticise if you make a mistake.”

Turning his attention to tomorrow’s qualifier in Yerevan, Muscat said tactical discipline is key to Malta’s hopes of opening their account in Group B.

“Unfortunately, there have been some games in this group when we could have gained a point,” Muscat said.

“The home match against Armenia was close but we conceded a goal which proved costly as we lost 1-0. If we maintain our tactical discipline, I’m confident that we can take something from the match.

“Armenia surprised many in the last competition but they only have three points so far in this campaign and that perhaps shows that they are struggling. Whatever their form, we must be at the top of our game to take something.”

Armenia have failed to pick a point since their win over Malta in their opening qualifier at Ta’ Qali back in September.

Malta have fared worse as they are still seeking their first point after five qualifiers.

Training spin

The national squad had their first training session at the complex of Yerevan-based FC Banants in hot temperatures, yesterday evening.

The Malta FA contingent, which includes several club officials, arrived in the Armenian capital in the early hours of yesterday.

As the association had chartered an Air Malta plane for the journey to Armenia, Ghedin was granted permission to bring 22 players, paving the way for some new faces, the likes of Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Glenn Zammit and defensive team-mate Clifford Gatt Baldac-chino, and Tarxien Rainbows wing-back Justin Grioli to make their first trip with the national squad.

Missing from the squad are three experienced players – goalkeeper Hogg, who enjoyed a good season with Enosis Paralimni in Cyprus, Latina defender Andrei Agius and Valletta midfielder Ryan Fenech.

Agius has had to pull out after Latina reached the Prima Divisione B promotion play-off final with the first leg scheduled for next Sunday.

Fenech has skipped the trip as he’s getting married this week.