Playing for my country gives me shivers, says Beerman

Myles Beerman is excited by the prospect of ending an amazing season on an uplifting note as the 18-year-old is in line to make his debut for Malta in the friendly match against Ukraine at the Merkur Arena on Tuesday evening (kick-off 19.00). Having joined Glasgow Rangers in September after progressing through the youth ranks of Manchester City, Beerman grabbed the headlines after breaking into the first team of the Scottish Premiership side in the final two months of the season. Beerman’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by Malta coach Pietro Ghedin who duly named him in the final squad for the warm-up against Ukraine and the 2018 World Cup Group F qualifier against Slovenia on Saturday. “I started the season with Manchester (City) and things were going well,” Beerman said in an interview with www.mfa.com.mt. “I was enjoying my football. Then I came down in September for international duty with Malta and my agent rang me... he said ‘listen Rangers are interested’. “It was transfer deadline day, so I had to make a decision there and then. “I took the decision, I thought that it’s a stepping stone to eventually reach first-team football. It was a challenge for me, so I thought I would just take it and the last two months of the season, it came out positive for me. “The gaffer gave me a chance and I took it... I did really well.” Led by Portuguese manager Pedro Caixinha, Rangers will compete in the Europa League next season after finishing third in the Scottish championship. Long regarded as one of the brightest prospects of Maltese football, Beerman has represented the country at every level in youth football. Despite having British parentage, Beerman insisted that his home country is Malta. “Well, I’ve lived in Malta for most of life,” Beerman said. “Playing for my own country is something that always gives me the shivers because it’s great. “And I’ve got every belief that as a Maltese football side, things will improve and move forward.” SENIOR CALL-UPBeerman is determined to seize his chance and prove his worth at international level. “I never expect anything,” the Rangers wing-back replied when asked if he expected to be called up to the senior squad at such a young age. “I just work hard, do my own thing in football and I was happy when I got called up. Now like I said, when I get the opportunity, I’ve just got to prove myself.” Beerman is hopeful that Malta will do well in the friendly against Ukraine and the Slovenia qualifier four days later. “Every international game is an important game,” he observed. “Every match you’ve got take in it your stride and make sure that you peform at your 100 per cent as a team and as an individual. All in all you’ve just got to go out and peform for your country like we always do.” As for the possibility of making his debut for Malta in these two games, Beerman has high hopes. “Hopefully. It’s exciting for me, I’m still 18. I’ll hopefully make my debut and I’m a bit excited about it,” he said.