As Malta prepare to take on the Repubic of Ireland in the second of two international friendlies in the space of four days, interim coach Gilbert Agius he expects a hard game from Ireland but Malta are ready to face a national team ranked in the top 50 of FIFA world ranking.
He said his players have to be disciplined and be prepared to work hard. These two internationals will help the team prepare mentally and physically for the Euro 2-24 qualifiers which begin next year. There is a question mark over several players, Steve Borg, Jenn Borg and Joseph Mbong, all nursing knocks.
Gilbert Agius said he respected tomorrow’s opponents adding that he thought Ireland should have been at the World Cup Finals in Qatar.
Ireland’s coach Stephen Kenny told Livenewsmalta that the 2-1 loss to Norway was disappointing. He said Ireland had played well and Norway had respected the threat from Ireland by lying deep for large parts of the game.
Everton defender Shamus Coleman said he still has the fire in his belly to play and is now getting back to the level he wants to be. Asked about his fitness he said that when it is time to call it quits, he will know.
