The Malta Under-18 team, led by coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant, Raymond Schembri, will be flying to the Republic of Ireland early on Sunday to play two friendly matches against the host country in what should be another preparatory spin for our youth national side.

Late in November this year the team will be engaged on home soil in the European Under-19 Championship 2008-09 qualifying round in the group comprising France, Liechtenstein and the Republic of Ireland.

The matches in Ireland, scheduled to be played in Cork on April 15 and 17, will be very valid tests for the team and an opportunity for Camilleri to assess the components of his 18-strong squad, which is made up of two goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and three forwards.

Commenting on his team's forthcoming matches later this month and then in November, Camilleri said that the idea behind the programme of these junior teams, particularly the one under his charge, is to help the youths make the grade to the Under-21 team and later to the national 'A' team.

Malta U-18 squad

Goalkeepers: D. Balzan (Hibs), J. Caruana (Luqa).

Defenders: J. Aquilina (Three Bridges), O. Bugeja (Floriana), C. Cassar (Pietà), E. Grech (Hibs), K. Farrugia (Sliema), I. Grech (Pietà), J. Xerri (Hibs).

Midfielders: N. Busuttil (Pietà), S. Grech (Pietà), D. Grima (Valletta), E. Grima (St Andrew's), M. Xerri (Sliema), T. Vella (Gudja).

Forwards: M. Ciantar (Sliema), M. Grima (St Andrews), R. Muscat (Birkirkara).

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