Luque Latest

Last updated : 14 October 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

The Spaniards will face either Slovakia, Norway or Switzerland after finishing second in Group Seven behind Serbia & Montenegro, but Luque has been out of action since tearing a hamstring back in August.

He is a regular for Spain and was part of his country's squad for the past two major tournaments.

Albert Luque: "I played in the last World Cup, and also in the European Championships, and for a player it is the best thing ever so obviously I hope Spain can get through. We are now waiting for the draw in the play-offs, so hopefully we will be able to get through.

"It would be great for me if I could be selected to play for Spain in the World Cup if we qualify. But I think the play-offs may come too soon for me. The coach Luis Aragones prefers to have players who have been playing regularly for their clubs.

"He may think it is too early to put me back into the national team after I have been out for two months. At the moment I am not thinking about the national team, I am just thinking about getting fit and playing for Newcastle."