THE UNDER 21’S DESERVE MORE CREDIT

Commenting on the Under-21’s friendly against Austria tomorrow afternoon, to kick off at 2.30 pm at the Hibernians Stadium, coach Ray Farrugia said that he has a good group thanks to the work that has been done, especially with the co-operation of technical director, Robert Gatt. He said that his team needs more credit and support from the terraces.   ‘The players work really hard and know they have another tough group to contend with in the forthcoming Euro Championship. It is eight years and 45 matches since I took over the U-21’s. When the team managed five points in previous group matches they got all the praise. The same should have been the case when we recently earned as many points and scored eight goals,’ Farrugia said. Referring to the Austrians, tomorrow’s opponents, he said that they are ‘a very strong team with many players engaged in the German league. The lads need to play as many friendlies as possible against strong teams. This should improve their learning curve,’ Farrugia said. Finally he referred to the possibility of having two players of Malteses stock, 17 and 18 year-olds,  who will soon be on trial with West Ham, in our ranks. ‘They have shown a disposition to represent our country,’ he said.