Brut-al luck for Canizares

An incredibly unlucky moment for the Valencian custodian has thrust Iker Casillas into the spotlight once again.

The 32-year-old Canizares was taken to hospital where serious tendon damage was revealed and the Spanish Federation wasted no time in calling up their fourth choice - Malaga's Pedro Contreras.

Jose Antonio Camacho's squad are currently in Jerez, waiting to travel to the Far East and the accident to Canizares has devastated the team.

Despite being replaced by Cesar at Real Madrid, Casillas found himself saving their season with a couple of crucial late saves in the Champions League final on Wednesday in the 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Now Casillas has been propelled into being Spain's first choice keeper despite an inconsistent club season and it will be interesting to see how he reacts, having proven himself a big-game player.

Casillas said: "There's no satisfaction in profiting from the injury of a team-mate."