Sliema's Pace joins national squad

Jamie Pace, of Sliema Wanderers, yesterday had his first training spin with the national squad at Ta' Qali after he was summoned by interim joint Malta coaches Horst Heese and Mark Miller.

Pace, 26, practised with the rest of the national squad members in the evening session after he was contacted by telephone earlier in the day.

The news came as a surprise for the robust attacking midfielder of British origins as lately he had lost his place in the Sliema starting formation.

On Monday, the former Pieta Hotspurs player was a second-half substitute in the Premier League match against Valletta.

"No doubt, the call-up to train with the national team was a timely boost. I never expected it though, especially at this particular phase of the season when I'm not even playing regularly for Sliema," Pace, whose past experience at national level is a brief spell with youth squads, said.

"However, I shall seek to make the most of this opportunity."

At present, also looking to earn a slot in the national squad are former U-21 Malta players who are no longer eligible for the category because of the age limit.