The Malta U-17 team will be engaged in Group Nine matches from the UEFA U-17 tournament, being played here between tomorrow and Thursday.
The other nations in the group are Iceland, Portugal and Norway.
Coach Branko Nisevic, who is assisted by Charles Scerri, has selected a squad featuring players who are on the books of clubs in the Premier League and other divisions. A number of players in the group have already gained some experience at U-17 international level.
“One hopes that the home factor will prove beneficial for the Maltese and that they are not overawed by the strength of the opposing teams,” the MFA said in a statement.
The MFA is urging local football fans to attend these matches and give their all-out backing to the Maltese youngsters.
Scouts from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven and Olympique Lyon, of France, are expected to watch some players during the tournament.
Programme
Tomorrow: (Centenary Stadium) 1 p.m. Norway vs Malta; 4 p.m. Portugal vs Iceland.
Monday: (Centenary Stadium) 1 p.m. Norway vs Iceland; 4 p.m. Malta vs Portugal.
Thursday: (National Stadium) 1.30 p.m. Portugal vs Norway.
Thursday: (Centenary Stadium) 1.30 p.m. Iceland vs Malta.
Malta U-17 squad
Goalkeepers: M. Grech (Pietà), P. Schranz (Melita).
Defenders: K. Micallef (Pietà), A. Cassar (Balzan), J. Sultana (Hibs), B. Jaccarini (Birkirkara), C. Psaila (Sliema), K. Zammit (Birkirkara).
Midfielders: N. Pace Cocks (Pietà), D. Vella (Hibs), J. Corbolan (Balzan), C. Borg (Floriana), J. Degabriele (Hibs), R. Cutajar (Mellieħa), I. Montanaro (Valletta).
Forwards: A. Xuereb (Sliema), A. Attard (Melita), G. Tabone (Floriana).