Malta Under 21 coach Agius hands five new call-ups for Lithuania qualifier

Malta Under 21 coach Gilbert Agius has selected his 28-man provisional squad for the upcoming UEFA European U21 Championship Group C home qualifier against Lithuania scheduled for March 29.

The March international window had initially been scheduled for two home qualifiers for the Malta U-21 Team but due to the fact other opponents were Russia, the match has been put on hold in parallel with FIFA and UEFA’s decisions to suspended Russian national teams following Ukraine’s invasion.

The match against Lithuania at the Centenary Stadium will forge the opportunity for Malta U-21 to build on a successful last outing for the team emerging winners 2-0 in Northern Ireland last November.

Malta coach Agius has recalled goalkeeper Rashed Al-Tumi and Cain Formosa while he gave a first call up to San Ġwann player James Vella, Kurt Bondin, of Żebbuġ Rangers, Matthew Debattista (Melita), Sheldon MacKay, Joseph Zammit (Nadur Youngsters) and Birkirkara’s Jed Valletta.

In the reverse fixture, Lithuania narrowly edged Malta 2-1 in Alytus last October.

The squad

Goalkeepers – Rashed Al-Tumi (Sliema Wanderers FC), Matthias Debono (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Cain Formosa (San Ġwann FC).

Defenders – Adam Bradshaw (Balzan FC), Matthew Ellul (Hibernians FC), Christian Gauci (Valletta FC), Zean Leonardi (Pieta Hotspur FC), Nikolai Micallef (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Sheldon Mizzi (Pieta Hotspur FC), Samuel Okoh (Pieta Hotspur FC), James Vella (San Ġwann FC), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Sirens FC).

Midfielders – Ayrton Attard (Hibernians FC), Jean Paul Attard (Gżira United FC), Kurt Bondin (Żebbuġ Rangers FC), Matthew Debattista (Melita FC), Aleandro Garzia (Floriana FC), Marcus Grima (Balzan FC), Sheldon Mackay (Valletta FC), Andreas Vella (Floriana FC), Joseph Zammit (Nadur Youngsters FC).

Forwards – Jake Engerer (Sliema Wanderers FC), Jake Ghio (Pieta Hotspur FC), Sebastian Grech (San Gwann FC), Bradley Sciberras (Lija Athletic FC), Jamie Sixsmith (St Andrews FC).