Malta friendly a useful test for Finland - Baxter

Finland coach Stuart Baxter expects his team to dictate the tempo in this evening's friendly but warned that Malta will be no easy opponents.

"We were very pleased to accept this invitation to play against Malta," Baxter told a news conference during which Finland also unveiled their new kit for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

"As part of our development programme, we want to expose our players to lots of different experiences. In the past, we encountered problems when we had to drive the game.

"We're quite good when we have to absorb pressure and try to hit on the counter but we've had difficulties to open up play in matches where we're expected to dominate."

Baxter regards today's match as a key part of his younger players' learning curve.

"Half of the squad we brought here have played under 10 matches for Finland," Baxter said.

"I believe this is a very good thing for the national team's future. Two years ago when we started the development programme, the aim was to promote more players who can represent the country in the future.

"Some of the young players have already established themselves in the team. This match will be a good test for us but Malta will be no easy opponents at Ta' Qali as Sweden found out when they played here in the World Cup qualifiers."

Sweden, Holland, Hungary, Moldova and San Marino are Finland's opponents in Group E of the Euro 2012 qualifying round.

Finland's third place in a World Cup qualifying group, containing the likes of Germany, Russia and Wales, has strengthened Baxter's optimism about his team's chances of qualifying for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine.

"I believe that we can qualify, there's hope," Baxter said.

"At the start of the World Cup qualifiers, only those in our dressing room and a few other people in the association thought that we had a small chance.

"Based on the last qualifiers, I think there is a chance. Without being too much optimistic, we're allowing ourselves to dream a little bit. I've got confidence in the players and I honestly believe that we can give a good account of ourselves in the Euro 2012 qualifiers."