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Bonano in two minds over Japanese trip

BARCELONA goalkeeper Roberto Bonano has expressed his doubts about a possible 14 hour trip for Argentina's friendly with Japan later this month, but admitted to being overjoyed with the call-up.

However, despite the shot-stopper's concerns for himself and team-mates Juan Roman Riquelme and Javier Saviola, he is delighted at being given the chance.

"The journey that Riquelme, Saviola and I will have to do for playing that friendly match against Japan will make us very tired but we can't say no," he said.

"We are professionals and we must give our best for both our teams."

The game in Asia on November 20 is just days before the crucial La Liga clash between Barca and Real Madrid.

"Both games really motivate us because being called for the national team is something very important and having the chance to play three days later the derby against Real Madrid is also very important," he said.

"I am very happy, though, that [Marcelo] Bielsa has called me because I really didn't expect it.

"I thought that other players were going to be given a chance because it is for the national team, but now that I will be part of this match I think that it's very positive for a player to be part of the beginning of the new team.

"I am also happy because I wasn't playing a few weeks ago, I was the third keeper in Barcelona and now I am playing in my team and the coach of the national team has called me again. Everything happens very fast and now I want to work hard for staying where I am."