Swansea forward Michu is in dreamland after winning his first call-up to the Spain squad.
The 27-year-old was summoned by Vicente del Bosque for the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header after Atletico Madrid striker David Villa was forced to pull out through injury.
Michu has not represented Spain at any level yet but is determined to make the most of this chance to try and impress ahead of next year’s World Cup.
“Every Spanish player dreams of this and it’s so difficult,” he said.
“Few people can wear the shirt of the best team in the world. Let’s see if fortune is with me and I can play, although I’m already grateful to be called up.”
Spurs’ response
Andre Villas-Boas has challenged Tottenham to bounce back from their shock defeat to West Ham.
Villas-Boas suffered the worst home defeat of his tenure as second-half goals handed the Hammers a 3-0 win – their first victory at White Hart Lane since 1999.
Villas-Boas is refusing to panic.
“It’s a wake-up call that we have to react to, we have to bounce back and I trust the team to do that,” the Spurs boss said.
“I think we can’t undermine what we have been doing up to now. Obviously it’s a defeat. It’s something we don’t like, but we have to put into perspective of what we’ve done before.”
Mohsni goal trail
Bilel Mohsni is aiming to beat his personal best by netting at least 18 goals for Rangers this season.
The Ibrox defender brought his tally to four so far this term when he weighed in with the opener in a 2-0 win at Ayr United on Sunday.
The French-Tunisian once bagged 18 goals as a youngster playing in midfield and would love to at least match that tally despite his role as a centre-half.
He said: “It’s good to get the goals. For the moment I am in good form so I am happy.
“I will try my best to weigh in with goals. When I was playing with U-18s in central midfield I scored 18 goals. I don’t know if I can beat that, we’ll see, but I’ve made a good start.”
Pardew keen on Remy deal
Alan Pardew will hope not to miss out on a permanent move for Loic Remy for a second time after the in-form striker fired Newcastle to a 2-1 victory at Cardiff.
Remy’s brace at Cardiff took his tally to five goals in his last three games and he has made an instant impact since moving to St James’ Park from QPR on a season-long loan.
Pardew had attempted to bring in Remy in January, but the France international eventually joined QPR’s failed bid to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Pardew said: “He is a player on our books and we are pleased to have him. It was interesting to read Redknapp’s comments that he probably won’t be going back to QPR... but we will have to see.”
Pioli gets support from chief Zanzi
Bologna general director Roberto Zanzi has backed under-fire coach Stefano Pioli to turn things around after his club’s dismal start to season.
The Rossoblu head into the international break without a win to their name and lying 19th in the Serie A standings with just three points from seven games.
“We only have ourselves to blame and we must get our hands dirty and continue to work in order to recover the ground we have lost,” Zanzi said.
“We have analysed the situation and we are in agreement that the image we are giving is not of who we really are. Pioli will now have to find solutions.”
Bent gives backing to manager Jol
Darren Bent is fully behind Martin Jol and backed him to remain as Fulham manager for years to come.
Having failed to win since the opening day of the Premier League season, dissenting voices were growing among the Craven Cottage faithful. However, Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Stoke has gone someway to alleviating the pressure.
Bent, brought in on loan from Aston Villa, believes Jol is the best man for the job.
He said: “All the players are behind Jol. He is the right man for the job and I am sure he will be around for many years to come.
“You can only turn that faith with results. Now we have got a two-week gap and then another massive game against Palace.”
Wiesinger ready for questions
Nuremberg coach Michael Wiesinger is prepared for questions over his future following his side’s 5-0 humbling by Hamburg which he admitted left “deep wounds”.
But Wiesinger insists he is the right man to lead the club out of their current predicament.
Nuremberg have not won in their opening eight Bundesliga games and Sunday’s heavy loss was a new low point in their season.
Wiesinger said: “It is clear that questions will come. That was a real setback. Now we have to process it. We now have two weeks to lick our wounds. They are deep wounds.
“We will continue to find solutions and this time as well we will find a solution.”