'Let's work to gain some respect for our football' - Etienne Barbara

You expect a young footballer like Etienne Barbara to be excited by his first call-up to the senior national squad. You expect him to be very positive about his international future, especially if his arrival had been greeted with universal approval by the media on the back of his evident progress. You expect him to be literally over the moon by the prospect of making his international debut at the age of 21.

Although delighted to have been named in Siegfried Held's squad for Wednesday's EURO 2004 qualifying match against Israel in Antalya, Barbara admitted in this interview with The Times, that the negative atmosphere engulfing local football has sullied his enthusiasm.

"Yes, I am happy to form part of the senior squad. It's every player's dream to play for the national team," Barbara said.

"My main ambition has always been to reach the highest level possible in my career and in a small place like Malta, I believe that a player finds his fulfilment in representing his country."

Marsaxlokk's versatile player, who has consistently shown an adeptness at filling in a variety of roles, has always been thought of highly in local football circles. He was a key member of the U-21 team and was also on the brink of becoming one of Malta's few full-time players under the current training scheme before a row with coach Mark Miller led to his indefinite suspension from the U-21 group.

Barbara still qualifies to represent Malta at U-21 level but he has been out of the international frame since last April before the exit-bound Held moved to end his exile.

"I felt that my performances for my club had improved significantly," Barbara replied when asked if he was expecting the national coach's call.

"To be honest though, I did not expect the national coach to call me after the clash I had with the U-21 coach. In fact, I still have to pinch myself to believe that I am part of the senior squad for this last EURO 2004 qualifier," Barbara said.

Miller's decision to ditch Barbara from his squad indefinitely had triggered mixed reactions. Some supported the coach's stance in view of the player's sometimes mercurial character but others believed that the incident should have been handled better, especially because of Barbara's young age.

The suspension still rankles with the Marsaxlokk talisman but he confesses that it helped him mature.

"In many ways, I think not being part of the U-21 squad helped me mature a lot. I worked hard and during the games I was feeling much sharper," Barbara said.

"Having said that, I don't think my trouble with Miller could have been avoided because we are not cut from the same cloth," he said.

After his indefinite ban from the U-21 squad, Barbara finally let his feet do the talking, his convincing performances catching the eye of Held. Though his call-up and potential debut on Wednesday have boosted his chances of establishing himself in the national team, Barbara is not looking too far ahead.

"I want to establish myself with the senior team but my presence in this squad is no guarantee of future success," a cautious Barbara said.

"Much will depend on who takes over after Held."

Malta's match against Israel is the country's final opportunity to salvage some pride after the debacles of recent years. Barbara is well aware of the need to give Maltese football a much-needed boost.

"This is our last chance to inject some fresh optimism into Maltese football," he said.

Rumours

"Everyone knows that the state of local football has deteriorated and we are constantly hearing rumours that everything is about to finish here.

"The atmosphere at Ta' Qali does not provide much cause for optimism either. The situation is getting worse and worse. Not long ago, things were much better in terms of spirit.

"I remember my time with the U-21s when Ray Farrugia was coach and we were like one big family.

"We clearly have a lot to do to enhance the feel-good factor. Some people might think that I'm being too critical but I'm saying this because I am Maltese and I want our football to gain some respect," Barbara said.

One hopes that the selection of new players in the national squad marks the start of a healing process.

Barbara may come across as one who speaks his mind but one thing is sure about him... he will give you his 100 per cent on the field of play. Maltese football needs more players like him to emerge from its current crisis.