CAMACHO SPRINGS EXPERIMENTAL SQUAD

SPANISH coach Jose Antonio Camacho sprung a couple of surprises in his squad for the friendly game against Japan next Wednesday, including Salva Ballesta, last year's Pichichi, after his blistering form rocketed Atletico Madrid to the brink of a return to the top-flight.

The Atletico striker has been the focal point of Jesus Gil y Gil's side making a run at the Primera Liga, having spent the first couple of months seemingly headed for the Spanish regional divisions.

Camacho also called up Jose Mari from Milan and Raul Tamudo of Espanyol.

There is a return for Alaves defender Oscar Tellez, his team work and stalwart play at the back has been a rock that the side built their Uefa Cup run on.

Tellez is joined by Espanyol's Sergio Gonzalez and Vicente from Valencia as Camacho looks to give the stunning depth of La Liga a run-out.

There are some important absences, such as Athletic Bilbao star Joseba Etxeberria who is injured.

Luis Enrique is going through a poor run of form, whilst the omission of Guti and Aitor Karanka, who have been playing well for Real Madrid, has caused some discussion.

Jose Mari was overjoyed with his call-up, saying: "I feel like a child with new shoes. I'm very happy with this chance that Camacho has given me.

"I have always imagined playing for Spain but not at this time."

Squad:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Santiago Canizares (Valencia); Sergi (Barcelona), Manuel Pablo (Deportivo La Coruna), Fernando Hierro (Real Madrid), Carles Pujol (Barcelona), Miguel Angel Nadal (Real Mallorca), Oscar Tellez (Alaves), Paco Jemez (Real Zaragoza); Josep Guardiola (Barcelona), Ivan Helguera (Real Madrid), Gaizka Mendieta (Valencia), Ruben Baraja (Valencia), Sergio Gonzalez (Espanyol), Vicente (Valencia); Raul (Real Madrid), Pedro Munitis (Real Madrid), Raul Tamudo (Espanyol), Salva Ballesta (Atletico Madrid), Jose Mari (AC Milan)