Two newcomers in provisional Under-21 squad

Malta Under-21 coach Silvio Vella has named a provisional 23-strong squad for the upcoming UEFA U-21 Championship qualifying match against Sweden on October 10.

Vella has included two newcomers in his initial selection, namely Żejtun Corinthians midfielder Neil Tabone and Mosta FC forward Zachary Brincat.

The Maltese youngsters have endured a frustrating start to the 2019 UEFA Championship qualifying campaign, losing their opening three Group 6 matches, all away, by an identical 2-1 scoreline.

After launching their commitments with a 2-1 defeat to Belgium in March, the Malta U-21s looked set to open their account in their next qualifiers only to concede stoppage-time goals in their games against Cyprus and Hungary last month.

Malta’s goals in this fledgling campaign have been scored by Birkirkara midfielder Jake Grech, Valletta defender Jean Borg and Glasgow Rangers winger Myles Beerman.

After their trip to Sweden, the Malta U-21 team play their first home qualifier against Turkey at the Centenary Stadium on November 10.

Photo: Copyright © domenic aquilina

MALTA U-21 PROVISIONAL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Jake Galea (Ħamrun Spartans); Philip Schranz (Birkirkara); Matthew Grech (Floriana).
Defenders: Jean Borg (Valletta); James Baldacchino (Floriana); Karl Micallef (Ħamrun Spartans); Nikolai Muscat (Gżira United); Dunstan Vella (Hibernians); Kurt Zammit (Birkirkara); Sean Cipriott (Tarxien Rainbows); Michele Sansone (Sliema Wanderers).
Midfielders: Myles Beerman (Glasgow Rangers); Dexter Xuereb (Mosta); James Brincat (Tarxien Rainbows); Jake Grech (Birkirkara); Matthew Guillaumier (Birkirkara); Zachary Scerri (Gżira United); Neil Tabone (Żejtun Corinthians).
Forwards: Jurgen Degabriele (Hibernians); Aidan Friggieri (St Andrews); Joseph Mbong (Hibernians); Kyrian Nwoko (Valletta); Zachary Brincat (Mosta).