St Johnstone defender James Brown is in line to make his international debut after he was called up to represent Malta when they face Slovenia and Cyprus in World Cup qualifiers next month.
Ali McCann, Jason Kerr and James Brown of St Johnstone celebrate following the Scottish Cup Final between Hibernian and St Johnstone (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The Saints star, who will miss out against Hibs this weekend through injury, is part of a 30-man squad after his application for a Maltese passport was approved.
Malta face Slovenia on October 8 before travelling to Cyprus to face the home side three days’ later in Group G – having picked up four points so far from six qualifiers.
Brown isn’t the only new face in the Malta squad with Adam Magri Overend, of Floriana FC, also winning his maiden call-up by national team boss Devis Mangia.
Croatia, Russia and Slovakia are also in Malta’s group with Croatia and Russia level on 13 points at the top of the table and set to meet in the final round of fixtures in November.
St Johnstone star faces injury sweat after call-up
Brown’s joy at his first international call-up could be short-lived though after he was injured earlier this week, with St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson calling the news a “big blow” for the defender and himself, saying: “He has tweaked his hamstring.
It’s a big blow for me because it’s that position with Liam Gordon being out and Jason (Kerr) going, he had found a wee rhythm there playing right centre-half. He had performed really well so it’s a big blow for James.”
Despite being born in Dover, Brown is eligible to play for Malta through his grandfather.
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