Spain call continues Bojan ascent

FC Barcelona's 17-year-old forward Bojan Krkić could become the youngest player ever to represent Spain after being called up by coach Luis Aragonés for next Wednesday's friendly against France in Malaga.

Previous mark
If the teenager plays at La Rosaleda he will eclipse the record set by Athletic Club Bilbao's Angel Zubieta in 1936. Zubieta won the first of his two caps at the age of 17 years and nine months while Bojan will be four months younger. "He's only 17, but he has made extraordinary progress. He's got quality, an eye for goal and could be a great player," said Aragonés. "He's an extraordinary lad and we've been nurturing him through all the youth categories in the national set-up."

Impressive performances
Bojan has already shone on the international stage having been a star performer in Spain's run to the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year. He made his Primera División debut against CA Osasuna this season and became the youngest player to score for the Catalan club in the league when he found the net in the 3-1 defeat of Villarreal CF in October. "I'm very happy," he said. I have to be relaxed and enjoy the moment."

Raúl overlooked
Bojan has profited from an injury to RCD Espanyol forward Raúl Tamudo, although Real Madrid CF forward Raúl González has simply been overlooked by Aragonés. The coach has also drafted in uncapped defenders Álvaro Arbeloa of Liverpool FC and RCD Mallorca's Fernando Navarro, as well as including David Albelda despite the midfielder being without a club following his release by Valencia CF. Barça captain Carles Puyol damaged a thigh in Copa del Rey action on Thursday and will play no part, prompting a return for Juanito Gutiérrez of Real Betis Balompié.

EURO test
It is Spain's first friendly since qualifying for UEFA EURO 2008™, where they will meet Russia, Sweden and holders Greece in Group D. France are in Group C alongside world champions Italy, the Netherlands and Romania.

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

Defenders: Pablo Álvarez (Club Atlético de Madrid), Juanito Gutiérrez (Real Betis Balompié), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF), Carlos Marchena (Valencia CF), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal CF), Raúl Albiol (Valencia CF), Álvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool FC), Fernando Navarro (RCD Mallorca).

Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal FC), Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona), David Silva (Valencia CF), Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona), Albert Riera (RCD Espanyol), David Albelda (Valencia CF), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool FC).

Forwards: David Villa (Valencia CF), Daniel Güiza (RCD Mallorca), Bojan Krkić (FC Barcelona), Luis García (RCD Espanyol), Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC).