Andrè Schembri underlined his rich vein of form after hitting a brace to inspire Omonia Nicosia to a 3-1 victory over AEK Larnaca who went into Saturday’s game as leaders of the Division One championship in Cyprus.
Long acclaimed as one of the most gifted Maltese players of his generation, Schembri feels that he is back to his best after a lean spell.
“I’m happy with my performances of late, moreso as I was coming from a difficult period,” Schembri told Times of Malta.
“At the moment, the coach is playing me as the team’s lone striker and I’m trying to give it my best shot.
“Forwards are expected to deliver goals and I’m pleased to have followed up my goal in the cup with a brace that helped my team beat AEK Larnaca.”
Omonia Nicosia have 40 points from 22 games but still face an uphill struggle in the title race as they trail new leaders APOEL by 10 points.
“I’m not happy with our position in the league,” the Malta international remarked.
“A club like Omonia Nicosia should be challenging for the title.
“This coming weekend, we have the derby against APOEL, a very difficult game.
“A win in the derby would give us a ray of hope in the title race.
“Our fans still believe that we can fight for the league but, to be honest, our inconsistency this season has put us in a difficult position and this is why the club are focusing more on the cup competition.”
Omonia look well-placed to reach the cup semi-finals after Schembri’s early goal set them on the way to a 4-0 home win over Paphos in the first leg of their quarter-final.
In Saturday’s league game, the score was 1-1 when Schembri converted a penalty on 56 minutes before sealing the points for Omonia with a stoppage-time goal.
Cyprus can be a good stepping stone for Maltese players. If you have a good season here, you can move to a bigger country like Greece- Andrè Schembri
His brace against AEK Larnaca cemented his position as Omonia’s leading scorer with 11 goals but, despite his scoring deeds, Schembri prefers to play behind the strikers.
“The thing is that, because I know how to shield the ball, coaches ask me to play up front, especially when we are facing stronger teams,” the former Ferencvaros player said.
“My best position is behind the strikers and I’ve scored many goals coming from deep.
“But, I’m prepared to play wherever is needed for the national team because we’re limited.
“With regards to Omonia, I’m hopeful of reverting to my favoured position in the future.
“At present, our captain (Nuno Assis) is occupying this position but this will probably be his last season in football.
“I’ve also been used as a left winger here. Versatility is a good quality but it can also be a handicap because you can’t specialise in one position.”
A host of clubs are monitoring Schembri’s performances as the 29-year-old’s 18-month contract with Omonia Nicosia expires at the end of this season.
It looks like Omonia have a fight on their hands to hold on to Schembri but the Malta playmaker is prepared to commit his future to the club if their contract offer is in line with his expectations.
“Three weeks ago, my agent and I met with Omonia officials,” Schembri said. “We tabled our terms and the committee is now evaluating our proposal.
“The agent has told me that the top clubs in Cyprus are interested in signing me and there are also offers from abroad, including Asia.
“But, I must say that I’m happy at this club. The ball is in Omonia’s court and I think the terms we have proposed are very reasonable.
“If Omonia accept our terms, I would be more than willing to sign a new contract with them.
“I wish to stay where I am but in football, as in every profession, you want to earn what you think you deserve.”
This is Schembri’s second spell with Omonia Nicosia and his lofty reputation in Cyprus has helped to raise the profile of Maltese football.
This season, Schembri has been joined by Malta defender Steve Borg, who is playing for Aris Limassol, and former Floriana and Sliema coach Danilo Doncic who is in charge of Ethnikos Achnas.
“The profile of Maltese football in Cyprus has gone up in recent years,” Schembri said.
“I play for the top club in Cyprus and this has brought more exposure for Malta. I’m also using my contacts here to try and get more Maltese players to Cyprus.
“I helped Steve Borg to join Aris Limassol and I’m putting forward the names of other Maltese players who I believe can do well in this league.
“Cyprus can be a good stepping stone for Maltese players. If you have a good season here, you can move to a bigger country like Greece but it’s important that our players come here at a young age.”
National team
As one of the senior members of the national squad with a total of 72 caps, Schembri will be expected to play a leading role in Malta’s upcoming friendlies against Moldova, Czech Republic, Austria and Estonia in preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
“Every tournament draw is difficult for us,” he said.
“We have to show our best in every game. Friendlies alone are not enough to improve the level of the national team but they will surely help our preparations for the qualifiers against the likes of England, Scotland and Slovakia.
“The friendlies will be particularly useful for the young players coming through, moreso considering that a number of players in our squad have reached a certain age.”
Malta will remain under the guidance of Pietro Ghedin for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign after the Italian coach extended his contract for another two years, a move that was met with widespread approval.
Schembri paid tribute to Ghedin’s tactical nous.
“Ghedin is very good tactically,” he said. “In the last competition, we were very organised on the pitch and, although we didn’t score a lot, we were solid in defence and didn’t concede many goals.
“He has also introduced some new players into the squad and I personally believe that they can be a good asset for us, also in view of the fact that the Malta U-21s are doing very well.
“We need more input from the young players if we are to rejuvenate the squad as the average age is quite high.”