Haber relying on last minute fitness tests, Akpan ready for the challenge

by Ayrton Galea - 8th July 2015

Goalkeeper Justin Haber is “relying on last minute fitness tests” while Ini Akpan is “ready for the challenge”, after the first day of training in Armenia.

Justin Haber fell to the ground and was unable to continue playing, during the home match, and there might have been a tinge of fear over the confidence of Ini Akpan. But the Nigerian naturalised Maltese goalkeeper gave a solid display to keep a clean sheet in his Europen Competitions debut.

With the team completing its first training session, optimistic Haber told us, “I'm relying on last minute fitness tests. The first tests showed that it would have been difficult to make it but my body has recovered well and I am very happy for that.”

“The match is two days away, there is no definite answer regarding my availability. I will train tomorrow and will continue working hard to make it on time. On Thursday morning, together with the Coach, we will come up with the final decision”

“If I don't make it in time, there is a valid goalkeeper, Ini Akpan. He had a fantastic pre-season, and he is in the best condition I have ever seen him. We both want the best for this Club, alongside youngster Justin Tonna. If he will play, it will be his time to shine and I'm sure he will step-up to the occasion.”

On the other hand, Akpan shared his views about his debut. “It was a very unlucky injury that Haber suffered but that's part of football. When playing as a goalkeeper, you should be ready all the time. I didn't have much time to warm-up, but I was prepared. I was very happy to make a successful debut.

“I was very satisfied for with the team's performance. It was the first official match under a new coach. We fought for every ball together, we showed we're a team. We played very well and I believe we were a bit unlucky as we deserved the victory. “

Akpan believes that the Stripes can make it through to the next round. “Of course, I believe a lot in this team's potential. I believe that this team is working very hard and when we're working hard, you hope to achieve. We want to make the supporters happy, and if we qualify it's our present from us for supporting us through thick and thin".

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