Having Birkirkara in the upper parts of the Premier League standings is not much of a surprise given the high levels reached by the Stripes the past two decades or so.

However, given the limited number of acquisitions made by the

'Valley' club in summer, one has to laud the excellent displays of Paul Zammit's troops who are only two points behind surprise package Qormi and two ahead of main title favourites Valletta.

There could be several reasons behind Birkirkara's fine run but one underlying factor has been the excellent form of Trevor Cilia.

After a difficult first year at Birkirkara, during which he struggled to command a regular place in the team, then under former coach John Buttigieg, this season the speedy winger has rediscovered the kind of form which had prompted the Stripes to secure his services in the summer of 2008.

Zammit's arrival as Birkirkara coach was a blessing for Cilia who was soon reinstated to his favourite right-wing position. That change worked wonders as Cilia went on to establish himself as one of the most effective players in the championship with his surging runs proving a hatful to many a defence.

Last Sunday, Cilia, who was celebrating his 27th birthday, was again one of the key men behind his team's laboured 2-0 victory over Ħamrun Spartans which has extended the team's unbeaten run in the league to six matches. The former Floriana midfielder is not looking to lay back and delve on the past, however.

"It has been a very good start for both Birkirkara and myself," Cilia told The Times.

"The coach has given me the opportunity to play in my favourite position. Now, I'm more at ease and that has transpired in my performances this season.

"Still, I believe I can give more to the team and to that end I'm training harder every day to make sure that my contribution remains consistent as the season goes along."

With two matches from the second round played, the championship is slowly entering a delicate stage. There's no room for error now as all teams look to start the second part of the season in a favourable position.

Cilia believes that Birkirkara cannot look back now but conceded that the squad is in need of one or two additions in key positions if they are to remain in the title race.

"We are approaching a decisive stage in the championship with all teams stepping up a gear to win vital points that would put them in a more comfortable position after the split at the half-way mark," he opined.

"At Birkirkara we have done pretty well so far and the fans should be satisfied with our position in the standings. There are a lot of matches to go though and it's inevitable that we will have to deal with injuries or suspensions. In my opinion, we need more cover in certain positions to make sure we don't find ourselves short of options when the going starts getting tough."

Cilia has little difficulty in identifying the major challengers for the league title.

"Valletta may have lost a couple of matches but for me they are still the favourites," Cilia said.

"They have a very strong squad with quality players in all areas.

"Qormi are strong outsiders as they have won a considerable number of points but it will be difficult for them to last the distance. Also, you can never rule Hibs out and Birkirkara will be there for sure."

For Cilia, 2010 could not have started better. Last week, he was one of three new players included in Buttigieg's national squad. His selection was a huge injection of confidence and was quick to point out that he has no plans to just make the numbers at the MFA training grounds.

"I was hoping that one day I would be selected. I'm playing really well at the moment, and to be honest, I was not really surprised with my call-up," Cilia conceded.

"Playing for the national team is the objective of every player and I am no exception. Still, I'm taking this call-up as a new challenge in my career. It's not going to be easy as competition for places is fierce but I'm willing to give it a try."

Cilia's contract with the Stripes runs out at the end of the season. He is enjoying life at Birkirkara and is willing to sign an extension deal.

"My contract with Birkirkara lasts till the end of this season and at the moment I have no plans to move elsewhere," Cilia said.

"I'm very happy here and I'm ready to stay for a long time. However, we still have to start negotiations. I don't know what the club's intentions really are but if the terms are good then I will have no problems in pledging my future to Birkirkara."