Malta national team coach Tom Saintfiet handed a first-call up to young defender Jean Borg and Australia-based Mitchell Mallia in his 25-man squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Luxembourg and Finland later on this month.

Valletta defender Borg, a key member in the Malta U-21 team, has been named in the senior squad for the first time along with Mallia who is on the books of Australian National League side Blacktown City.

Myles Beerman, who is on the books of Rangers but currently on loan at Queen of the South, was handed a recall to the squad along with veteran midfielder Roderick Briffa who returns to the fold after a long absence.

Speaking during  a press conference, Saintfiet said that these two matches against Luxembourg and Finland will be a usual test for his players in preparation for the UEFA Nations League which kicks off next September.

“I’m very happy that the Malta FA has arranged two friendly matches against two very competitive sides,” the Belgian coach said.

“Our aim is to be able to be hold our own against these kind of countries ahead of our commitments in the UEFA Nations League and surely this will be a good test for us.

“I am looking at these two warm-up games as a good opportunity to look at new players as my goal is to try and identify those players that can do a job for me when the competitive commitments get under way.”