Malta midfielder Paul Fenech (right) looking for openings despite the marking of Italy’s Marco Verratti in Florence, last month. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar

Paul Fenech is raring to pull on the Malta shirt again after suspension kept him out of last month’s 2-2 home draw against Azerbaijan.

The Birkirkara midfielder is expected to start tomorrow’s Euro 2016 Group H qualifier against Norway as he has established himself as a first-choice player under coach Pietro Ghedin.

“My motivation is very high,” Fenech told Times of Malta.

“When you are part of the national team, you want to be involved in every game. Each match is an opportunity as you’re testing yourself against top players.

“I was disappointed to miss the Azerbaijan clash but my style of play makes it almost impossible to avoid yellow cards.

“However, I regret the foul in the Italy match that triggered my one-match suspension because, in hindsight, it was unnecessary.”

Fenech’s vision and industry should come in handy for the national team tomorrow as Ghedin’s men are bracing themselves for a stern encounter against a resurgent Norway who underlined their credentials with a 2-0 home win over Croatia last month.

It is safe to assume that Malta will be forced to defend for long stretches at the Ullevaal Stadium as the home team are expected to ramp up the pressure from the start in search of the three points. Such approach, however, could suit our team.

Malta are unlikely to throw caution to the wind like they did in the 3-0 home defeat to Norway last year.

“The home game against Norway was a bitter experience,” Fenech said.

“It was a difficult test because they are a very aggressive side. We have watched Norway in action and they were in top form when they played Croatia.

“They are going through a bright phase at the moment. We know what lies in wait but we are going out there to try and acquire points.”

Although Malta will probably adopt a prudent approach to avoid repeating the same mistakes that marred the home performance against the Nordic team, Fenech believes that the inclusion of Alfred Effiong has given the national team a powerful attacking outlet.

“Sometimes, it’s good to be adventurous but you have to do it in a smart way,” he explained.

“Ours is a counter-attacking game and Alfred Effiong, together with Michael Mifsud, can give us that extra push up front.

“Effiong is physically strong, he runs a lot and makes life uneasy for defenders. In the last few games, he has really given us a boost.”

Effiong has scored two goals since making his debut in March.

At club level, Fenech, 28, appears to be regaining his form after a couple of low-key performances for Birkirkara.

“After the Europa League games, it took me a while to recover,” Fenech admitted.

“The team also endured a difficult spell in the league and that hardly helped the players to find their form.

“Gradually, we are raising our game. It’s never easy for Birkirkara as most of the teams set out to defend against us.

“But we are improving and I feel that my form is picking up.”

Initial breakthrough

Fenech initially found it hard to break into the national team but he now feels more confident after a run of games.

“Coaches know that players need games to gain in confidence,” Fenech said.

“Now I feel more comfortable at this level because I’ve learned how to handle the pressure and prepare myself mentally. On the pitch, I’m more at ease because I know what the coach expects from me.

“We strive to be constructive when we have possession but we know we can’t keep the ball for a long time.

“We try to play one- or two-touch football but we have grown as a team and the understanding between the players has improved.”

With Norway and Croatia locked in a tight duel to secure an automatic berth in next year’s finals in France, Malta face a tall order to add to their two-point tally in their remaining two qualifiers.

“It’s going to be tough because both Norway and Croatia are still fighting to qualify for Euro 2016,” the 2013 Malta FA Footballer of the Year said.

“They will be going flat-out to secure the points and improve their chances. We are aware of their potential. We need to close the spaces and try to hit them on the counter.

“I’m always optimistic but I’m also realistic as we are facing two strong teams.”