Studious Scicluna now eager to make up for lost time

The invitation to join the national squad came four years later than he had hoped but now that he's in, Kenneth Scicluna is keen to make up for lost time.

Tonight's World Cup qualifier against Hungary presents the unassuming Scicluna with a golden opportunity to press his claims for a regular berth as Horst Heese has entrusted him with the job of replacing Luke Dimech in the heart of Malta's defence.

"Like any other boy who loves football, my dream was always to play for the national team," the 26-year-old Scicluna said.

"After four years of regular football with the U-21s, I had high hopes of graduating to the senior squad but the call never came.

"I was unlucky to break a leg soon after my time with the U-21s was over. Then, as the years rolled by, I considered the national team a closed chapter.

"I devoted all my energy to establishing myself at Birkirkara and doing well in the league."

This time last year, Scicluna's decision to take a year off from football to read for a Master's Degree in Occupational and Health Safety in London was seen by many as the beginning of the end of his football career.

The former St Patrick player admitted that his erstwhile failure to break into the national squad was one of the reasons that influenced his decision to pursue his studies in England.

"Last summer, I had to think long and hard about my career before I made up my mind to further my studies abroad," Scicluna said.

"At the time, the national team had long ceased to be an ambition, so I concluded that for the best of my future, I should take this course.

"I also had commitments with Birkirkara and our agreement was that I should stay as fit as possible in order to be ready to resume my career when my studies were over.

"During my stay in England, I trained three times a week with an amateur team but did fitness work on my own. I think I managed to keep myself in ship shape as I walked straight into Birkirkara's first-team squad in the last month of the 2004-2005 season."

A good pre-season with Bir-kirkara combined with steady performances in the team's outings so far this season finally yielded the reward Scicluna had come to regard as 'unattainable'.

"I was surprised to learn that I had been called up to the national team," Scicluna admitted.

"I'm 26 now and in football that is not a young age to make your international debut but it's better late than never, I guess."

Although he lacks international experience, Scicluna said he will not be overwhelmed by the significance of his milestone when he lines up against Hungary today.

"I was a little excited when I came on as a substitute against Northern Ireland but within minutes the tension had disappeared," Scicluna said.

"I think it will be the same against Hungary. It's going to be a big occasion for me but I am looking forward to it."

Scicluna has only just begun to enjoy the challenges of international football but intends to stay in the thick of things.

"My call-up to the national squad has given me fresh impetus," Scicluna said.

"It has changed the outlook on my football career.

"I want to stay in the squad and improve as a player so this experience at international level will also have a positive impact on my performances with Birkirkara."