De Gea handed senior Spain call-up

15 March 2013 12:46

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been handed a senior Spain call-up by coach Vicente del Bosque.

The 22-year-old could make his debut for his national side when Spain host Finland in a World Cup qualifier in Gijon before travelling to France four days later.

Despite criticism of the Manchester United defence this season, the young goalkeeper has impressed at times this season, particularly against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and appears to have caught the eye of his national team coach.

De Gea was handed his first call-up when he made the preliminary squad for Spain's successful Euro 2012 campaign but missed out on a place in the final squad.

The former Atletico youth product has represented Spain from Under-15 level up to Under-21 with whom he won the European Championship in 2011.

"We are bringing the players who deserve to be here," del Bosque said.

"It's our goal to continually inject new blood into the team."

Spain squad:
Goalkeepers: Victor Valdes, Pepe Reina, David De Gea
Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nacho Monreal
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Javi Garcia, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Isco, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, David Silva
Strikers: Pedro Rodriguez, Juan Mata, Alvaro Negredo, David Villa