Kepa enjoying Spain spotlight

Kepa Blanco is already having a season to remember and could make it even better by helping Spain reach the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs on Tuesday.

Penalty poise
The 22-year-old Sevilla FC forward more than played his part on Friday as Spain ended Albania's hopes of progress with a 3-0 victory in Tirana. Kepa scored one of the goals, converting a penalty in between two strikes from Valencia CF's David Silva. Expectation is high, therefore, that Spain will get the point needed against Slovakia in Alzira to take the one play-off place on offer from Group 2.

Fully focused
Kepa, who had started the week with a hat-trick in Sevilla's 4-0 win against Levante UD in their season-opening Primera División match, said: "I can't complain, I can't ask for more and this season has only just begun." At club level, he played 23 league games last term as well as featuring in Sevilla's march to UEFA Cup glory. The Andalusians followed that European title with a UEFA Super Cup triumph last month, and Kepa is keen to stay involved. "I have all five senses focused on Sevilla and will work hard to play more matches than last season, although the competition will be tough."

High standard
Kepa faces a battle with internationals Frédéric Kanouté, Ernesto Chevantón and Luis Fabiano for a starting berth at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium. His heroics against Levante will have done his chances no harm, and Sevilla coach Juande Ramos will do well to tune in on Tuesday. The bad news for Slovakia is that Kepa is ready to keep the goals coming.