The last couple of weeks have been eventful and rewarding for Terence Vella.

Playing for the U-21s has really helped me. It’s also thanks to the coach (Ray Farrugia) that I’ve come this far

After earning his first call-up to the senior Malta squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic (1-3) earlier this month, Vella hit a brace in Ħamrun Spartans’ shock win over Birkirkara, the same club that sent him out on loan in the close season.

His vibrant performance on Friday will not only have delighted Ħamrun coach Stefan Sultana, it also went some way towards showing why national coach Pietro Ghedin and his U-21 counterpart Ray Farrugia believe that Vella has the potential to become a top player.

Vella has long been hailed as a bright prospect but his laid-back attitude has also led to some scepticism about his ability to achieve a high level of focus and consistency to match his talent.

Like most young players, Vella needs more time to fulfil his potential but his promotion to the senior Malta squad and his improving form for the Spartans suggest that the former Gudja forward is on the right track.

“The last few weeks have been very positive for me,” the softly-spoken Vella, affectionately known as ‘il-pilla’, told The Times. “I hope to continue this way.”

A first-choice player for Farrugia’s U-21 team in their last Euro competition, Vella was immediately invited by Ghedin to start training with the senior squad after the last Euro U-21 qualifier in Ukraine.

“It was a bit difficult at the beginning,” Vella said of his first training sessions with the ‘big boys’.

“I felt a bit awkward because it was a totally new environment for me but now I feel much better.

“I’ve clicked with the players in the national squad.”

A natural talent, Vella has been playing football since he was a toddler.

“The only thing I remember is that I only wanted to play football,” Vella said. “I couldn’t get enough of it... I played during school hours and after. Football has always meant everything to me.”

Vella grew up playing the game for fun and it wasn’t before he was called to the Malta U-19 squad that it dawned on him that he may have the attributes to forge a successful career.

“It was only when I joined the Malta U-19 squad that I felt that I was perhaps good enough to progress in my career,” Vella commented.

What is refreshing about Vella is that he still plays the game with the same untainted enthusiasm he had as a boy.

And, unlike most of his peers, he has no big, unrealistic ambitions. When I asked Vella about his dreams, he replied: “The things you’ve mentioned (winning titles and playing overseas).. they are all nice.

“I wish to establish myself with a top club and win honours. Another objective is to force my way into the national team but I know it’s difficult because there’s a lot of competition for places.”

At 22, Vella is not eligible to represent Malta U-21 in the next UEFA competition but this evening’s friendly against Italy U-21 B has seen him reunited with his U-21 team-mates.

“I’m delighted to be back with the U-21 squad because the team spirit is great,” Vella said.

“Playing for the U-21s has really helped me. It’s also thanks to the coach (Farrugia) that I’ve come this far.”

Last year, Vella joined Birkirkara on a five-year deal but, after some encouraging performances, he became disillusioned after losing his place in the team.

An unsuccessful loan spell with Mosta in the second part of the season didn’t help but he looks to be rediscovering his best since joining Ħamrun, also on loan, last summer.

“Last year, I wasn’t playing regularly and when you’re out of the first team for a long time, you lose a bit of motivation,” Vella said. “You try to train hard but it’s not easy to stay positive.

“When you’re playing week in week out, you feel more responsible and you can’t wait for the next game. This year, things have changed.

“I must also admit that, since I started to work on a full-time basis, I have a greater sense of responsibility.

“Regarding my loan move to Ħamrun, I just wanted to go somewhere where I knew that I’d have more first-team opportunities. I’m happy there.”

Despite his unhappy spell with Birkirkara, Vella, whose contract with the Stripes has another three-and-a-half years left to run, is keeping an open mind about his future.

“I’m still young and I’m not closing any doors,” Vella said. “As I said, my ambition is to play for a top club which is regularly challenging for honours.”

Vella is confident that Malta U-21 will give a good account of themselves in today’s friendly against the Italian U-21 Serie B selection.

“It’s going to be a difficult match but I don’t think it will be as tough as the away qualifiers we had against Sweden and Ukraine,” Vella said.

“I’m optimistic that we can get a good result.”

Vella thanked all those who have helped him during his career.

“My family and friends have always been there for me,” Vella said.

“I can’t but not mention Gordon Grech, a committee member of Gudja United, who helped me a lot when I was younger.

“I also want to thank the U-21 coach because he has always believed in me.”

Good test – Farrugia

Meanwhile, Farrugia, the U-21 coach, has described today’s friendly with Italy U-21 B at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off 19.00) as a useful test for his team.

“Our squad is a combination of the old and new U-21,” Farrugia said. “I’m pleased that 10 players in this squad can also play in the next U-21 competition.

“This is an important game, especially for the older players who are pushing to be promoted to the senior squad.

“For the younger elements, this is an opportunity to test themselves against some good players and gain more experience.

“All the players are looking forward to the challenge.”

Malta U-21 formation: S. Sultana, Z. Muscat, Y. Camilleri, O. Bugeja, R. Camenzuli, B. Kristensen, C. Borg, R. Muscat, S. Pisani, A. Azzopardi, T. Vella.

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: A. Berardi (Verona, on loan from Lazio), A. Iacobucci (Spezia, on loan from Parma).

Defenders: R. Brosco (Ternana, on loan from Pescara), D. Rosania (Lanciano, on loan from Ascoli), L. Ghiringhelli (Novara), S. Benedetti (Spezia, on loan from Inter), C. Biraghi (Cittadella, on loan from Inter), F. Minarini (Modena).

Midfielders: R. Maiello (Crotone, on loan from Napoli), M. Giandonato (Vicenza, on loan from Juventus), A. De Vitis (Padova, on loan from Parma), G. Capece (Ascoli), D. Baselli (Cittadella), R. Improta (Juve Stabia, on loan from Genoa).

Forwards: M. Pucciarelli (Empoli), S. Zaza (Ascoli, on loan from Sampdoria), S. Pettinari (Crotone), P. Iemmello (Pro Vercelli, on loan from Fiorentina).