Malta national football team coach Pietro Ghedin is demanding a resolute performance from his team in the Euro 2016 Group H qualifier against Bulgaria tomorrow at the National Stadium (kick-off 8.45pm). 

A 2-0 win over Lithuania in a friendly on Monday has lifted Malta's morale ahead of their clash with Bulgaria who are under pressure to bounce back after a 4-0 defeat to Turkey in a warm-up game. 

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"Bulgaria are not coming here to give us gifts," Ghedin told Times of Malta.

"They are coming here to win."

Ghedin is aware that the victory over Lithuania, courtesy of two excellent goals from Paul Fenech and Alfred Effiong, has strengthened the players' confidence but he struck a cautious note.

"Everyone was happy after the win against Lithuania but we need to play down (the expectations)," Ghedin said.

"We have to keep our feet on the ground.

"I'm optimistic that we can do well in this game but we need 11 gladiators not 11 ballerinas (ballet dancers) on the field."

The Malta squad had a training session at the National Stadium this evening.

Omonia Nicosia striker Andre Schembri is recovering from a slight injury but all the other players are fit.

Malta obtained their only point in Group H so far after a 1-1 draw against Bulgaria in Sofia in November.

With five points from five qualifiers, Bulgaria need to embark on a run of wins if they are to revive their chances of reaching the play-offs for the Euro 2016 finals, to be held in France.

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