Soccer: Phoenix's Muscat to play for Malta

Wellington Phoenix defender Manny Muscat has been selected to represent soccer minnows Malta in a World Cup qualifier and an international "friendly".

Muscat will join the Maltese squad in Valletta for a training camp this month as they prepare for a "friendly" against the Czech Republic on June 6 and a World Cup qualifier against Sweden in Gothenburg on June 11.

He qualifies to play for the small island nation in the Mediterranean, 90km off the coast of Italy, because it is the birth country of both his parents.

"It (selection) came completely out of the blue and was a real surprise," the 25-year-old defender said today.

"It's just amazing to get the call-up to represent Malta.

"The Phoenix gave me the opportunity to play top-level football and I'm incredibly grateful. I've worked hard to grab that opportunity with both hands."

Brought into the Phoenix from Victorian premier league side Green Gully as a short-term injury replacement last season, Muscat quickly seized his chance to prove his worth at right back in the Phoenix's defensive line.

The club rewarded him with a fulltime professional contract for the 2009-10 season A-League season.

Muscat will be released by the Phoenix on May 28 and will travel to Malta to join his new teammates.

"Last year was an amazing year for me with the Phoenix and this is a little bit unreal," Muscat said.

"It's all quite new but I'll just do what I always do and play to the very best of my ability."

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said everyone involved at the club was thrilled for Muscat.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for Manny to be able to play international football at that level against some of the best players in the world."

Muscat's elevation to international level was a credit to his commitment to the Phoenix, Pignata said.

"He's worked hard and he deserves it. He's the type of guy who is level headed and has demonstrated his desire to excel."

- NZPA