Spain spoilt for choice between sticks

Valdes, who was called up once in August 2005 but did not play, has no chance of ousting Real Madrid's Iker Casillas as Spain's number one and if he makes Vicente del Bosque's World Cup squad will be third choice behind Liverpool's Pepe Reina.

The 28-year-old Catalan has conceded just 19 goals in 30 La Liga matches this term, compared to 26 for Casillas, and is closing in on a second straight "Zamora" award as Spain's top domestic keeper to add to the one he won in 2004/05.

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