Is in Malta working with top-notch lucky idol (8)

I believe the answer is:

talisman

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'lucky idol' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'is in malta working with top-notch' is the wordplay.
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'working with' indicates an anagram (working with the letters).
'top' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'notch' is 'n'.
'malta' anagrammed gives 'talma'.
'is' inserted inside 'talma' is 'talisma'.
'talisma'+'n'='TALISMAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for talisman that I've seen before include "Liam, Stan has charm." , "which is charming" , "bringer of luck?" , "Object thought to guard against evil" , "Charm that brings good luck?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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