Failla scoops Maltese player of the year award

Hibernians FC and Malta international midfielder Clayton Failla has been named the Maltese player of the year for his impressive displays last term.

Failla scored 13 goals in 31 appearances as Hibernians secured a runners-up spot and the Maltese Cup last season. The 26-year-old beat off fierce competition from Valletta FC's William Barbosa, Denni and Jonathan Caruana to claim the award for the second time in four seasons having won it in the final campaign of his first spell at Hibernians in 2008/09.

"I must say that despite giving it everything during the past season the award came as a surprise to me due to the fact that I had some stern competition this year and because my side did not finish as champions," Failla told UEFA.com. "I cherish this award because I always do my very best to perform well. I would like to dedicate this honour to my family, friends, my team-mates, and especially the Hibernians committee, with a special mention for president Tony Bezzina for giving me the chance to rejoin Hibernians. I am so happy."

It marked the start of what is set to be a memorable July for Failla, who is due to get married next week.