Borg, Failla keen to win back Ghedin’s faith

Steve Borg and Clayton Failla are determined to force their way back into the national team fold after being overlooked for Malta’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday.

Malta coach Pietro Ghedin raised a few eyebrows earlier this month when he decided not to include Valletta defender Borg and wingback Clayton Failla, of Hibernians, in his 23-man squad for the match against Slovakia at the National Stadium.

Last week, Ghedin told a news conference that he had no personal issues with either Borg or Failla and stressed that his decision to omit them from the squad was purely technical.

Yesterday, Borg and Failla faced the media for the first time since being left out from the national team.

“The national team is very close to my heart so I was really disappointed not to form part of the national team for the match against Slovakia,” Borg, 28, who has 25 caps to his name, told reporters at Ta’ Qali.

“But in our career one has to be strong and able to take setbacks like this in his stride. We always have to try and react in the best possible way. I know that I can still contribute to the national team and I want to make the most of the remaining matches this season to win...