Alfred Effiong back in squad for Scotland clash

Alfred Effiong has been added to the Malta squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Monday.

The Nigerian-born striker, who missed the 4-0 home defeat to England on Friday through suspension, has replaced defender Ryan Camilleri in the 20-strong selection.

Effiong’s inclusion is the only change in the Malta squad from the England qualifier.

Left-back Joseph Zerafa is expected to recover from the knock that forced him to leave the field in the second half of Friday’s qualifier.

The Maltese contingent, led by MFA General Secretary Dr Angelo Chetcuti and Vice-President Dr Matthew Paris, landed in Glasgow early on Saturday afternoon and are due to hold their first training session here later in the evening.

Monday’s game at Hampden Park promises to be another gruelling affair for Malta as Scotland, on a high after their 3-0 victory in Lithuania, will be going all out to secure victory and keep their outside chances of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup alive.

Scotland have now joined Slovenia in third place on 11 points, six behind leaders England who take on second-placed Slovakia on Monday.

MALTA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Valletta FC); Andrew Hogg (Hibernians FC).
Defenders: Andrei Agius (Hibernians FC); Steve Borg (Valletta FC); Clayton Failla (Hibernians FC); Michael Johnson (Balzan FC); Sam Magri (Ebbsfleet United); Zach Muscat (US Arezzo); Alex Muscat (Sliema Wanderers FC); Joseph Zerafa (Valletta FC).

Midfielders: Clyde Borg (Floriana FC); Ryan Fenech (Balzan FC); Paul Fenech (Balzan FC); Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians FC); Luke Gambin (Luton Town); Steve Pisani (Floriana FC).
Forwards: Jean Paul Farrugia (FC Chiasso); Michael Mifsud (Valletta FC); Andrè Schembri (Apollon Limassol); Alfred Effiong (Balzan FC).

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