Malta U-21 coach Gilbert Agius trims squad to 22 players ahead of qualifiers

On the eve of the Malta U-21 national team’s departure for an away double-header from the UEFA Championship qualifiers, coach Gilbert Agius has finalised his 22-man squad

The Malta U-21 national team face Lithuania on Friday and then travel to Slovakia on Tuesday.

Three goalkeepers have made the final cut for this trip, including the return of Nocerina keeper Rashed Al-Tumi.

This final squad also includes five newcomers who were absent in last month’s qualifiers which saw the team beat the Northern Ireland 4-1 at home and suffer a heavy 6-0 defeat in Russia.

These are Samuel Okoh who plays his trade with Pieta Hotspurs, his club mate Sheldon Mizzi, Adam Bradshaw of Balzan, Larens Vella, representing Challenge League side Rabat Ajax, together with Victor Degiorgio who plays in the United States of America with Maryville University.

Floriana’s Adam Magri Overend, who is deemed as a valuable asset in this Malta U-21 selection has been left out for this double away trip following his promotion to the senior national team.

The Malta U-21 team will fly out on Wednesday early afternoon as they ramp up their preparations ahead of the Lithuania match on Friday.

Malta U-21 final squad

Goalkeepers: Rashed Al-Tumi (Nocerina), Cain Formosa (San Ġwann FC), Amara Sylla (Birkirkara FC).

Defenders: Matthew Ellul (Hibernians FC), Christian Gauci (Valletta FC), Karl Mohnani (Melita FC), Samuel Okoh (Pieta Hotspurs), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Sirens FC).

Midfielders: Ayrton Attard (Hibernians FC), Adam Bradshaw (Balzan FC), Alejandro Garzia (Floriana FC), Marcus Grima (Balzan FC), Liam McKay (Santa Lucia FC), Sheldon Mizzi (Pieta Hotspurs FC), Bradley Sciberras (Floriana FC), Andreas Vella (Santa Lucia FC).

Forwards: Jamie Carbone (Santa Lucia FC), Victor Degiorgio (Maryville Uni), Jake Engerer (Sliema Wanderers FC), Jamie Sixsmith (St.Andrews FC), Mattia Veselji (Floriana FC), Larens Vella (Rabat Ajax).