The one area where Spain is often said to have a relative paucity of talent is up front. But when you consider that talents like Michu,Roberto Soldado, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente are often mere squad players or fringe players, it puts other countries' problems in perspective.

Michu has received his first ever call up to the Spain squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Georgia.

The Swansea forward has been in fine form at club level for the past 18 months and his reward is to replace the injured David Villa.

Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo also makes the squad and is the only orthodox centre-forward in the squad, although Michu and Cesc Fabregas are also capable of leading the line.

Fernando Torres misses out through injury while Diego Costa of Atletico Madrid could not be called up for these qualifiers after switching his allegiances for Brazil.

Spain currently top Group I. They are on the same points as France, but have a game in hand on their Gallic rivals.

A win over Belarus on Friday would all but secure qualification and four points from the next six games would mean La Furia Roja will be going to Brazil.

Spain have already beaten Georgia and Belarus away from home during the qualifiers and the next two games in Palma de Majorca and Albacete are expected to be a formality.

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Victor Valdes (Barcelona), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City), Jesus Navas (Manchester City), Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Pedro (Barcelona), Michu (Swansea).