Anes Melici called to North Macedonia senior squad, pledges to make the most of any minutes
Shkëndija centre-back promoted to the A team and says he will make the most of any minutes given by the coach.
Defender Anes Melici has been promoted from North Macedonia's U21 squad to the senior national team ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, after strong performances for Shkëndija in European competition and the PMFL this autumn.
Melici and teammate Gashtarov were both elevated from the youth ranks to join the A team, a step the 21-year-old described as both an honour and a responsibility.
“Tough opponents await us. Division B is a big challenge for everyone. Switzerland is the opponent we must think about. We go step by step. Now that I have been given the privilege to be part of the A national team, of course I hope for playing time. I will make the most of every chance given by the coach,” Melici said at the national team gathering.
First training and squad notes
The first session for the senior squad is scheduled for today at 18:30 at the Petar Miloshevski training complex in Skopje. Most of the call-ups are expected to attend, with one notable exception: debutant Hristijan Maleski is set to play for his club today against Arsimi in the latest round of the PMFL.
Coaches have signalled they will assess the newcomers during training as they prepare for the Nations League matches in November, where the B division schedule and opponents such as Switzerland will shape selection decisions.
Earlier, Gashtarov described the promotion as “an honour and a privilege to be part of the A national team”, underlining the importance the staff places on integrating in-form domestic players into the senior group.
Photo: press material from the event
