Spain go with old and new

Fernando Morientes is back in the Spain fold after an eight-month absence as Luis Aragonés named a 20-man squad for Wednesday's friendly against Romania in Cadiz.

Fine record
The 30-year-old has been in impressive form since joining Valencia CF from Liverpool FC in the summer, his four UEFA Champions League goals helping the east-coast team qualify for the knockout round with two matches to spare. Morientes also has a fine scoring record at international level, his 43 appearances yielding 26 goals, although he last represented his country in a 3 March friendly against Ivory Coast. Club mates David Villa and Miguel Ángel Angulo are also among the four forwards in the squad, as Raúl González and Fernando Torres are overlooked.

Five newcomers
With regulars Carles Puyol, Pablo Ibáñez, Xavi Hernández and David Albelda missing for various reasons, Aragonés welcomes back Villarreal CF midfielder Marcos Senna for the first time since the FIFA World Cup, and has also selected five uncapped players - Ángel Arizmendi, David Silva, Javi Navarro, Albert Lopo and Ángel López.

New contract
The coach, who recently signed a two-year contract extension despite being under pressure after successive UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying defeats by Northern Ireland and Sweden, said: "We'll use this friendly to try out a few things. The new players are doing well and deserve a chance, and Morientes is in excellent form. We've found it difficult after the World Cup but I'm sure we'll qualify." Spain are nine points behind Group F leaders Sweden with a game in hand.

Spain squad
Goakeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF), Pepe Reina (Liverpool FC).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF), Juanito Gutiérrez (Real Betis Balompié), Antonio López (Club Atlético de Madrid), Joan Capdevila (RC Deportivo La Coruña), Ángel López (RC Celta de Vigo), Javi Navarro (Sevilla FC), Albert Lopo (RC Deportivo La Coruña).

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Liverpool FC), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal FC), Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Luis García (Liverpool FC), David Silva (Valencia CF), Marcos Senna (Villarreal CF), Borja Oubiña (RC Celta de Vigo).

Forwards: David Villa (Valencia CF), Miguel Ángel Angulo (Valencia CF), Fernando Morientes (Valencia CF), Ángel Arizmendi (RC Deportivo La Coruña).