The Malta U-21 national team will kick off their preparations for their UEFA Championship qualifiers when they face Turkmenistan in a friendly in Antalya, Turkey, this afternoon (kick-off: 3pm).
Silvio Vella has named a 23-man squad full of several new faces as he looks to use this short camp in Turkey to build a competitive group ahead of their opening qualifying matches against Northern Ireland and Ukraine in September.
Among the newcomers are Neil Frendo and Marcus Grima who are both striving to raise their standards, having recently started a new domestic experience outside Maltese shores.
Neil Frendo, who is playing his football with OFK Belgrade, spoke about how playing in Serbia could be pivotal in his development.
“I’m so delighted that I have been selected by coach Silvio (Vella),” Frendo said.
“My experience in Serbia has gone really well so far. It’s hard being away from home but I believe I could reap the benefits of this spell later in my career.
“I believe that, for most of us, this training camp in Turkey is very fruitful, and the friendlies coming up against Turkmenistan and Kosovo could give us a better indication of our progress and preparation leading to the new competition later this year.”
Marcus Grima is another foreign-based who only recently joined English Championship outfit Barnsley.
“My Barnsley experience has been really positive so far, I’ve settled in really well,” Grima, a product of St Andrews FC, said.
Surprise inclusion
“My physical condition has improved a lot, training is very different, more intense off the ball and a lot of running.
“The U-21 call-up has come as a big surprise as I’m still young. I’m grateful to coach Silvio Vella and the rest of the technical staff for showing faith in me.
“I integrated well with this group of players and together we can keep learning, gaining more experience and raising our standards prior to this tough competition coming up.
“We all know that at this U-21 level, players become sharper and ready for the senior team, that’s our ultimate aim. We want to emulate other players who have gained experience here and are now enjoying their time and earning caps at senior level.”
Valletta defender Jean Borg will captain the Malta U-21 team in the Turkmenistan friendly today followed with the Kosovo friendly on Tuesday in Antalya.
He will take on the captain’s armband from Matthew Guillaumier who is one of many players promoted to represent Malta at senior level for the upcoming Euro 2020 Group F qualifiers against Faroe Islands and Spain at the National Stadium.
THE SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Timothy Aquilina (Sliema Wanderers), Andreas Vella (Mosta).
DEFENDERS: Jean Borg (Valletta), Kurt Shaw (Sliema Wanderers), Connor Zammit (Hibernians), Zachary Cassar (Senglea Athletic), Michele Sansone (Sliema Wanderers), Nicholas Pulis (Valletta), Zachary Karl Grech (Pembroke Athleta).
MIDFIELDERS: Myles Beerman (Gżira United), Gary Camilleri (Senglea Athletic), Neil Frendo (OFK Beograd), Marcus Grima (Barnsley), Russell Fenech (Sirens), David Xuereb (Hibernians), Aidan Jake Friggieri (St Andrews), Jan Busuttil (Pietà Hotspurs), Jan Tanti (San Ġwann).
FORWARDS: Zachary Brincat (Mosta), Paul Mbong (Birkirkara).