Interview with Tom Saintfiet ahead of Estonia friendly

New Malta coach Tom Saintfiet on Tuesday announced a provisional squad of 25 players for the friendly match against Estonia on November 12, 2017. The friendly, at the National Stadium (kick-off 15.00), will be Saintfiet’s first official match in charge of Malta since succeeding Pietro Ghedin as national coach. In his first squad selection, Saintfiet has included two newcomers, Ħamrun Spartans midfielder Triston Caruana and Valletta and Malta U-21 striker Kyrian Nwoko. Glasgow Rangers wing-back Myles Beerman, who is also a member of the Malta U-21 squad, has also been called up. In an interview with takeaseat.org.mt, Saintfiet explains why he has retained the core of players who featured regularly under Ghedin and his willingness to promote young players from the Malta U-21 squad. “We kept the frame of the usual players, naturally because they’ve been performing quite well both at club level and, in the past, at national team level. I think it’s very important for us to have some stability,” Saintfiet said. “On the other side, we have a very good performing U-21 team. Myles Beerman and Kyrian Nwoko are two examples, they are also performing well in the league, for sure Kyrian Nwoko. “We have an eye on some Under-21s and we may add them (to the senior squad) after the Turkey game. “Triston (Caruana) is not an U-21 player but he has been performing decently with Ħamrun Spartans and I think he deserves a chance.” The Belgian coach also speaks about his decision to hand a recall to midfielders Ryan Scicluna (Birkirkara) and Rowen Muscat (Valletta) following injuries and his plans for the Malta U-21 players who will be joining the senior squad after the UEFA U-21 home qualifier against Turkey on November 10. Saintfiet also appeals to the Maltese fans to come and give their support to the national team in their last outing this year. Entrance for the Malta-Estonia friendly is free.