Luke Gambin is hoping to impress Malta coach Pietro Ghedin after starting a five-day trial with the national squad yesterday.

Gambin grew up in England and is currently on the books of Barnet but the winger is keen to represent Malta after discovering that he has Maltese parentage.

The 22-year-old doesn’t own a Maltese passport yet but he is optimistic that his application will be approved after initial checks confirmed that his father’s ancestors hailed from Malta.

Although these are still early days, Gambin is believed to have left a positive impression as the national squad players stepped up their preparations for Monday’s friendly match against Lithuania and the June 12 Euro qualifier against Bulgaria.

The winger’s pace earned him comparisons with Michael Mifsud when the Malta captain, who took part in yesterday’s training session, was in his prime.

Gambin’s contract with Barnet expired at the end of last season but the Conference Premier champions are expected to take up the option of extending his deal by another two years.

Besides Gambin, Njongo Priso is also in the process of applying for a Maltese passport.

The Cameroonian winger is reportedly weighing up an offer to rejoin Valletta this summer.

Tedesco signs deal

Coach Giovanni Tedesco yesterday signed a two-year deal to take charge of Birkirkara FC.

The Italian, formerly of Floriana FC, succeeds Paul Zammit who has terminated his contract with the Stripes by mutual agreement.

Tedesco’s appointment represents the first significant move by newly-elected Birkirkara president Adrian Delia.

Reports suggest that Josef Mansueto, who had a spell in charge of Qormi last season, is in the frame to become Tedesco’s assistant.