In difficult times, teams look to their most experienced players for inspiration.

Malta are desperate for a psychological fillip after their opening two World Cup qualifiers produced heavy defeats at home to Portugal (0-4) and away to Albania (0-3).

There is pressure on every single member in the squad to rise to the occasion tomorrow in a tough qualifier against Denmark, here in Copenhagen. However, the weight of expectation is heavier if you happen to be the country's most famous player.

Given his achievements in countries like Germany, Norway and England, Michael Mifsud is widely acclaimed as our most successful footballer ever. It's not unusual for local football enthusiasts to speak of Mifsud as our nation's greatest hope of striking success in an international match and, on those rare occasions in the last decade when Malta managed to defy the odds, the prodigious striker always played a starring role.

Optimism of a satisfactory result against the high-flying Danes this weekend is in short supply after the team's poor start to their qualifying campaign. Mifsud's exclusion from the Coventry City starting line-up in the last few games has hardly helped to lift the gloom but contrary to what many might think, the former Sliema forward has not let his recent travails at club level undermine his confidence.

Mifsud was his usual bubbly self as he gave his views to The Times.

"My approach is the same for every game," he said.

"I always set out to give my 100 per cent. My focus at present is on the national team and the World Cup qualifiers. I love to play for my country and my enthusiasm has not diminished one bit in the last few years."

Like the national team, Mifsud is himself in need of a morale booster after being restricted to cameo appearances in Coventry's last outings but he was keen to allay concerns about his match fitness.

"Although I haven't been playing regularly for Coventry lately, I'm not worried about my physical condition," Mifsud remarked.

"Training with the club is very intense and our performance is gauged through heart-rate monitors. I run a lot during practice and my physical condition is optimal, so I'm not concerned."

Mifsud is hopeful that a good showing in the next two qualifiers would help to put Malta back on track.

"We went through a bright spell during the Euro 2008 qualifiers and the feelgood factor in the squad shot upwards," Mifsud, who has scored 20 goals in 60 appearances for Malta, said.

"But, results in the opening two World Cup qualifiers were disappointing and the confidence has gone down. That said, we all know how difficult it is for Malta to string together a run of good results because we have our limitations. However, we must now forget the last two matches and concentrate on the next game. It will be another stern test for us, no doubt."

Malta's visit to Copenhagen ought to evoke pleasant memories of the team's plucky display in a 2-1 defeat to the Danes seven years ago. Mifsud was in that team that made life difficult for Denmark in what turned out to be coach Josif Ilic's final match in charge.

"The last time we played in Denmark, we only lost 2-1," Mifsud reminisced.

"I still remember that game and how we stunned the crowd at the Parken Stadium by taking an early lead. I was involved in the action which led to our goal. It was a great experience and I believe memories of that qualifier are a source of inspiration for me and all the players."

Looking back at his showings against Portugal and Albania last month, Mifsud said: "I couldn't make much of an attacking impact in those games. I often had to drop back and do defensive work. Nevertheless, I'm willing to help my team-mates when we're under pressure."

Dusan Fitzel's suggestion that he'd settle for a 3-0 defeat in Copenhagen is tantamount to an 'own goal', according to many critics and fans. His comments will not have struck a positive chord with the players but Mifsud hopes that Fitzel's words will give the players added motivation.

"When you read what the coach said, the first reaction is one of surprise but personally, I think that his comments were intended to fire us up," Mifsud said.

"I hope that we prove him wrong... I'm sure he will be very happy if we do that."