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Malta to play two taxing friendlies in Austria within five days

Published: 25-05-2016 20:40
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As an early build-up to Malta’s international commitments in the coming months the senior national team will be engaged in two friendly matches between Friday 27th and Tuesday 31st May, both of which will be played in Austria.  The first test will be against the Czech Republic in Kufstein and the second will be against the home team in Klagenfurt.National team coach Pietro Ghedin will be able to assess the form and physical condition of the players making up his 20-man squad. Tactical permutations will also feature on the agenda to gauge the collective qualities of the team. Against this background all the components of the squad are expected to be utilised during both matches.The Czechs and Austrians will undoubtedly provide extremely stiff opposition which would invariably stretch the Maltese side.More than half the players chosen by Ghedin are seasoned campaigners, having formed part of the national team regularly for a number of years now. Others were introduced lately, while English-born forward Luke Gambin who plays for Barnet is in line to make his debut for Malta.Although our opponents in both matches will provide formidable opposition, Ghedin will obviously expect his players to perform solidly and with optimal concentration and staying power, elements which will always be vital especially in Malta’s tight competitive programme later on this year.  The squad is made up of:  Goalkeepers NAMECLUBD.O.B.Henry BonelloValletta F.C.13 October 1988Justin HaberHibernians F.C.09 June 1981Defenderes   Andre AgiusHibernians F.C. (MLT)12 August 1986Cain AttardBirkirkara F.C. (MLT)10 September 1994Ryan CamenzuliBirkirkara F.C. (MLT)08 September 1994Ryan CamilleriValletta F.C. (MLT)22 May 1988Clayton FaillaHibernians F.C. (MLT)08 January 1986Clifford Gatt BaldacchinoSliema Wanderers F.C. (MLT)09 February 1988Zach MuscatS.S. Akragas Città dei Templi (ITA)22 August 1993Midfielders   Roderick BriffaValletta F.C. (MLT)24 August 1981Llywellyn CremonaValletta F.C. (MLT)07 May 1995Paul FenechBalzan F.C. (MLT)20 December 1986Bjorn KristensenHibernians F.C. (MLT)05 April 1993Rowen MuscatA.C. Pavia (ITA)15 June 1991Steve PisaniFloriana F.C. (MLT)07 August 1992Gareth SciberrasBirkirkara F.C. (MLT)29 March 1983Forwards   Alfred EffiongBalzan F.C. (MLT)29 November 1984Jean Paul FarrugiaSliema Wanderers F.C. (MLT)21 March 1992Luke GambinBarnet F.C. (ENG)16 March 1993Michael MifsudValletta F.C. (MLT)17 April 1981