Malta midfielder Paul Fenech is in buoyant mood ahead of tomorrow’s qualifier against Bulgaria after opening his scoring account with a sizzling drive in the 2-0 win over Lithuania in Monday’s friendly. Kevin Azzopardi spoke to the Birkirkara talisman

The past four weeks have taken Paul Fenech on a rollercoaster of emotions.

Fenech’s domestic season looked set to end on a deflating note after he was frozen out by Birkirkara due to a contractual stand-off but things have been looking up for the combative midfielder since he inked a new three-year deal with the Premier League club.

After coming off the bench to hit his side’s extra-time winner in the semi-final against Valletta, Fenech inspired the Stripes to a 2-0 victory champions over Hibs in the FA Trophy final on May 23 before reaching a new milestone in his international career after opening his account for Malta in Monday’s 2-0 friendly win over Lithuania at the National Stadium.

His first goal in a Malta shirt was one to remember as Fenech let rip an unstoppable drive from outside the box, the ball grazing Michael Mifsud’s head as it flew into the net.

“It was an important goal for me,” Fenech told Times of Malta.

“I will remember it for the rest of my life as it represents an important milestone in my career. When I started playing, my first aim was to establish myself in the Premier League and, once I had achieved that target, I was determined to break into the national team.

“I have fulfilled another dream of scoring my first goal for Malta. I grew up admiring the scoring exploits of players like Carmel Busuttil and Michael Mifsud.

“Although I’m very pleased about my goal, the most important thing for us was the win. I mean a 2-0 victory is a very encouraging result for Malta, especially ahead of the difficult game we have against Bulgaria on Friday (tomorrow).”

The score was still goalless when, with 62 minutes gone, Fenech swooped on a half-clearance before hitting a ferocious shot that gave the opposing goalkeeper no chance.

It was a goal made in heaven for Fenech as, usually, it is he who takes the corners from the right but agreed to swap roles with Roderick Briffa before Monday’s friendly.

“We practise corner schemes in training,” Fenech reflected.

“Before the game, we agreed that Roderick Briffa would take the corners from the right.

“In a way it was funny because, when you think of it, I was supposed to take that corner.

“When Briffa sent in the cross, I sensed that the clearance from the Lithuanian defence was not going to be good. When the ball came, I was on right spot and couldn’t strike it better than I did.”

Fenech’s breakthrough set Malta on the way to victory which was sealed with Alfred Effiong’s screamer 10 minutes from time.

“In the first half, I felt that we struggled to adapt to the tempo of the game,” Fenech said.

“Lithuania started aggressively but, despite enjoying more possession, they weren’t dangerous.

“We gave away the ball too easily.

“At half-time, we tried to change things. The coaches, especially Ray Farrugia, encouraged us to believe more in ourselves.

“We had to change our attitude towards the game, we had to move a few steps forward and get closer to the strikers. The inclusion of a player with Alfred Effiong’s qualities enabled us to gain ground.”

While the win over Lithuania helped to brighten the mood in the Maltese squad, the players need no reminding that Bulgaria will be a different proposition altogether but Fenech is cautiously upbeat.

“We are preparing for the Bulgaria game as best as we can,” the midfielder, who has 27 caps, said.

“The win over Lithuania has given us a push. Our performance in the second half showed that we are capable of keeping the ball.

“When we played Bulgaria away in November (1-1), it was a very difficult game but we did well. Our link-up play was very good.

“What we need to avoid is conceding an early goal like we did in Azerbaijan. From my experience with the team, there are always passages during games when we suffer but when we feel that we are playing at a par with the oppo-sition, we gain confidence.”

Since bursting on to the scene with Naxxar, Fenech has always been regarded as one of the best talents around but it has taken him a long time to hold down a regular place in the national team.

Under Pietro Ghedin, Fenech has become a key player for the national team but the former MFA footballer of the year is not dropping his guard.

“The challenge is always there because, with the national team, you are playing with the best in the country,” Fenech said.

“There are times when you feel in top form but I’ve learned not to take anything for granted.

“Different people, especially coaches, have different opinions about players. When I was not playing regularly, I was strong enough, mentally, to understand what the coach expected from me and I adjusted my game to improve my chances.”

U-21 Championship
Playing today (Group 1)
Moldova vs Malta - 18.00