We are ready to fight, Ghedin says ahead of Scotland qualifier

Malta coach Pietro Ghedin has promised that his team are "ready to fight" in their opening 2018 World Cup Group F qualifier against Scotland at the National Stadium tomorrow. The game kicks off at 8.45pm.

"We are facing the game with confidence... We are ready to fight," Ghedin told reporters at the pre-match news conference.

A commendable 1-1 draw against Estonia in a friendly match on Wednesday means that Malta are approaching tomorrow's clash in high spirits.
Ghedin is also upbeat.

"This result against Estonia was very good and I'm happy about that," the Italian coach, who has been in charge of the national since 2012, said.

"If you have good result, you recover very fast."

Ghedin is widely expected to stick with the same players who started the 1-1 draw against Estonia.

"We have some doubts on one or two players but the rest are OK," Ghedin said.

Striker Alfred Effiong, who scored Malta's equaliser against Estonia, has a minor problem but is expected to recover.

The Malta coach said he had a lot of respect, describing them as a strong team who play good football.

Scotland, who have not qualified for a major tournament for the past 20 years, landed in Malta this evening.

They are due to train at the National Stadium at 8pm.