Jurgen Degabriele and Matthew Guillaumier are determined to steer the national team to a positive start in the UEFA Nations League when they make their first appearance in this year’s competition against the Faroe Islands on Friday in Torshavn.
For Degabriele the past two years have been anything but easy, particularly after he suffered two serious knee injuries.
PLAYERS' VIEWS – WATCH 🎥Malta 🇲🇹 players Matthew Guillaumier and Jurgen Degabriele strike upbeat note ahead of…
But the young striker is now back in top form, particularly after last week’s brace in Hibs 2-0 win over FC Vaduz in the Europa League.
The Hibs striker said that he is determined to make the most of his opportunity after making a return to the senior national team.
“The last two years have been very difficult for me after suffering a few serious injuries but luckily now I have fully recovered and I’m looking forward to make the most of this opportunity,” the 23-year-old said.
“My morale is very good at the moment and I’m raring to go.”
Degabriele hailed the great unity that exists in the team and said that everyone is geared up to return hope with the best result possible.
“There is a lot of belief in our possibilities,” Degabriele said.
“Our national team has already beaten the Faroe Islands at home, but tomorrow will be different as we are playing away from home. It’s a new experience for many new players but everyone is working hard to ensure we get a positive result and obviously we’re going out to win.”
For Matthew Guillaumier a match against the Faroe Islands brings back fond memories as the Birkirkara midfielder made his senior debut with the national team in a 2-1 win over the Nordic country at the National Stadium last year.
Guillaumier says that the main objective in the team for Thursday’s Nations League qualifier against the Faroes is to gain some valuable points.
“I couldn’t have had a more memorable debut for the national team,” Guillaumier said of his performance in the 2-1 win over the Faroes at the National Stadium.
“It was our first win after so many years and I couldn’t have written a better script for my debut, it’s a memory that will stay with me forever.
“But now I’m focused on the next two matches, particularly the game against the Faroes. We are confident that we can pick up some points. We have already beaten them in the past and we can do it.
“It’s true that we have a new coach in charge and may be there are some little changes in terms of tactics but everyone is focused on the job ahead. The goal is to get the win… if all players in the team do their job I firmly believe that we can do it.”
