Former Oxford United boss Brian Talbot is in the big time after leading Maltese side Marsaxlokk into the UEFA Champions League.

The little club from a fishing port in the south of the Mediterranean island have qualified for the chance of a crack at clubs like Premiership duo Arsenal and Liverpool after Talbot guided them to the league title in his first season.

It was also the club's first Maltese Premier title.

They only played in their country's top flight for the first time in 2002-3, but have steadily progressed, qualifying first for the UEFA Cup a couple of years ago and last month wrapping up the title by 12 points from second-placed Sliema Wanderers.

Talbot, who has agreed a contract extension and will manage the team again next season, will be eagerly anticipating the Champions League qualifying draw on June 29 to see who Marsaxlokk face in the competition's qualifying rounds on July 17/18 and July 24/25.

His success earned him a nomination for the Malta coach of the year award.

It's all a far cry from the torrid time Talbot experienced as Oxford United manager in 2005-6, the season they lost their place in the Football League.

He got the sack at the Kassam Stadium following a run of ten games without a win that saw the U's plummet from 14th to 22nd in League Two.

"The job came right out of the blue," Talbot admitted.

"I had managed in Malta before, but when the chairman, Mark Sciriha, rang up, I had no idea who he was.

"In my head I had retired from football after Oxford, but Mark Sciriha talked me into coming over and having a crack.

"Winning the championship was the first trophy the club had won in their history, so it was a very proud achievement.

"The celebrations were pretty wild. We were on a boat going past the beach. The population of the town is only 3,200 but we had 10,000 people come from all over the island to watch the procession."

Former Arsenal midfielder Talbot enjoyed success as manager of Rushden, but his Oxford experience has left an unsavoury taste in his mouth.

"I loved every minute of my time with Rushden and have lots of fantastic memories," he said.

"I was lucky enough to have the backing of Max Griggs and he gave me permission to build the club up.

"But I do not think I will return to England to be a manager. It is a very stressful position and I am enjoying myself in Malta."

The odds of Marsaxlokk winning through the qualifiers to face his old club Arsenal, or Champions League finalists Liverpool, are slim, but they will have all of Malta behind them.

"It will be great to play in the Champions League," Talbot said.