Stefan Giglio's lengthy absence from international football was rendered more frustrating by a succession of injuries. Giglio, who played his last match for Malta in the 2-1 away defeat to Cyprus in Nicosia last November, has been recalled to the squad for the clash against Slovenia and the signs are that he will be named in the starting line-up.
The 24-year-old midfielder is hoping that his return marks an upturn in his fortunes.
"Apart from being hit by a series of injuries, I admit that my loan move to Lokomotiv Sofia from CSKA caught me by surprise. I was not expecting it and as a result, it took me some time to settle," Giglio told The Times. "This has been the worst period in my career."
The season is now drawing to a close but Giglio is looking to make the most of the few matches left to regain his sharpness.
"I had an achilles problem but I am OK now. I am not 100 per cent because I lack match fitness but I'm feeling better," Giglio said.
Critics have often expressed dissatisfaction at the commitment of the Maltese players towards the national team. Giglio had incurred the wrath of coach Sigfried Held for pulling out of the squad for an away friendly against the Balearics in December. Held's reaction was to omit Giglio from the squad for the friendly against Kazakhstan.
Giglio, however, insists he is as enthusiastic as ever to turn out for the national team.
"It's always an honour to play for Malta. Moreover, playing for national team puts players in the spotlight because the entire continent watches these internationals. Mixing it with top-class players also befits our football education," Giglio said.
Giglio's first-team action for Lokomotiv since returning from injury has been restricted to a few substitute appearances but he has been playing regularly for the reserves and is itching to play today.
"I am eager to start not only to get back into the flow of things but to show that I am very keen to play for my country after a five-month absence," he said.
Giglio was ineligible for the match in France last month because of suspension. He watched it on TV and was impressed by France's performance.
"They are a great side, full of star players. Losing 6-0 was a bad result... we clearly have to improve against Slovenia. We need to eradicate the habit of losing concentration after conceding a goal because that costs us dear."
Giglio still has in mind Malta's 3-0 away defeat to Slovenia in September when he was red-carded late in the game.
"On that occasion, we had been performing well but were unlucky to suffer an own goal which, unsurprisingly, undermined our morale. This time, we are playing Slovenia at home and that is the only advantage I can see.
"Obviously, they are coming here with a strong intent of taking the three points but the onus is on us to do our best and stop them," Giglio remarked.