Gatt, Farrugia name squads for friendlies

Malta caretaker national coach Robert Gatt and Under-21 national coach Ray Farrugia named the squads for next Wednesday’s friendly matches against Liechtenstein and Hungary respectively.

The senior side takes on Liechtenstein at the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:30 while the Under-21 side faces Hungary at the Hibernians Stadium, kick-off at 15:00.

Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, Hibs defender Edward Herrera, Zach Muscat of Pietà Hotspurs and Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech failed to make it to the final squad. Etienne Barbara, who is currently in Canada with Vancouver Whitecaps is ruled out injured.

Henry Bonello, Edmond Agius and Bjorn Kristensen are the new faces in the squad while Luke Dimech returns after a long absence.

The players selected by Gatt are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Kerkyra – GRE), Henry Bonello (Sliema);
defenders Andrei Agius (Latina – ITA), Steve Borg (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Jonathan Caruana (Valletta), Luke Dimech (AEK Larnaca – CYP), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Valletta), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Sliema), Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians), Gareth Sciberras (Birkirkara);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Blackpool – ENG), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Michael Mifsud (Valletta), Andre Schembri (Panionios – GRE).

Malta vs Liechtenstein will be controlled by Welsh officials, namely referee Mark Whitby and assistant referees Mark Dyson and Kim Fisher. Marco Borg is the fourth official.

The players selected by Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia and his assistant Ronald Vella are:
goalkeepers Adrian Parnis (Xewkija), Steve Sultana (Qormi);
defenders Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Yessous Camilleri (Balzan), Matthew Gauci (Hamrun), Luca Martinelli (Mosta), Zach Muscat (Pietà);
midfielders Jonathan Bajada (Mosta), Clyde Borg (Floriana), Triston Caruana (Qormi), Sheldon Grech (Mosta), Rowen Muscat (Birkirkara), Ryan Scicluna (Birkirkara);
forwards Miguel Ciantar (Balzan), Darren Falzon (Naxxar), Jean Paul Farrugia (Marsaxlokk), Steve Pisani (Hibs), Terence Vella (Mosta).

Malta vs Hungary will be controlled by referee Alan Mario Sant who will be assisted by Edward Spiteri and Mitchell Scerri with Kevin Azzopardi as fourth official.