Malta U21 Coach Ivan Woods has named for a squad of 33 players for a training camp which will also include two friendly matches against local teams.
The Malta U21 side concluded its UEFA European U21 Championship Qualification campaign last month, and is now preparing for the next qualifying competition.
Given that a number of players from the previous qualification campaign are no longer eligible to play at U-21 level due to age criteria, Woods has introduced many new faces to the squad. Additionally, a number of players have made their return to the squad after missing out on last month’s call-up due to injuries.
Woods will be using this month’s training camp to further assess the players who are in the frame to represent the Malta U-21 team as well as to prepare for the next commitments. As part of the preparation programme, the Malta U21 team will be playing friendly matches against Premier League teams Birkirkara FC and Mosta FC behind closed doors.
The match against Birkirkara will take place on 16th November, 2024 at the Malta FA Training Grounds, with kick-off time at 11:00hrs. The fixture against Mosta will be held on 19th November, 2024, also at the Malta FA Training Grounds, with kick-off time scheduled for 18:30hrs.
It is interesting to note that Nathan Chukwudi Njoku, from Gozitan club Qala Saints FC, is receiving his first call-up at any age-group. This reflects the extensive scouting work carried out by the Technical Centre coaches across Malta and Gozo.
33-man squad selected by coach Ivan Woods for November training camp:
Goalkeepers – Liam Frendo (Valletta FC), Adam Buttigieg (University of Stirling FC – SCO), Luca Camilleri (Żabbar St. Patrick FC), Hugo Sacco (Hibernians FC).
Central Defenders – Deacon Abela (Swieqi United), Kean Scicluna (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Ivin Farrugia (Senglea Athletic FC), Sven Xerri (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Sasha Cachia (Mosta FC), Miguel Azzopardi (Żabbar St. Patrick FC), Mattias Ellul (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Jake Vassallo (Mosta FC), Jake Micallef (Żabbar St. Patrick FC).
Right Wing-backs – Nathan Chukwudi Njoku (Qala Saints FC), Kaydon Catania (Pieta’ Hotspurs FC), Nathan Cross (Birkirkara FC).
Left Wing-backs – Alfie Bridgman (Basingstoke Town – ENG), Kian Vella (Pieta’ Hotspurs FC), Benjamin Hili (Balzan FC), Matteo Gambin (Fgura United).
Midfielders – Lucas Caruana (Hibernians FC), Andy Borg (Gżira United), Jake Grech (Balzan FC), Jake Azzopardi (Valletta FC), Jake Portelli (Hibernians FC), Daniel Letherby (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Kaiden Fenech (Birkirkara FC).
Forwards – Shaisen Attard (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Nicholas Agius (Birkirkara FC), Brooklyn Borg (Gżira United), Isaiah Chukunyere (Hibernians FC), Ensell Attard (Melita FC), Zak Barbara (Valletta FC).