The Spain coach insists out of favour Real Madrid
goalkeeper is an "important part" of his plans.
Vicente del Bosque has lent some much needed support to
Spain international goalkeeper Iker Casillas, insisting he is still the
country's No.1.
The Real Madrid legend has begun the campaign as backup
to Diego Lopez in the Blancos goal, with new boss Carlo Ancelotti continuing
the precedent set by Jose Mourinho.
Casillas has yet to feature in any of Madrid's three Liga
fixtures so far this season, but Del Bosque says the 32-year-old is still very
much the main man when it comes to the national team.
"Iker Casillas will always have me by his
side." Del Bosque is quoted as saying in AS.
"Casillas is captain of the side and an important
part of our team."
The 149-capped Spain international has not played for
Madrid since fracturing his hand at the start of this year.
But a lack of involvement for club has not jeopardised
his place in the national team, and that looks set to remain the case with Del
Bosque reiterating his faith in his skipper.
"I would never say he has to play at Madrid. I am in
favour of Casillas, in favour of his history and his trajectory," he
added.
"He is going through a bad time and needs the
support of those who have respect and admiration.
"It's not a comfortable situation for anyone, but
mostly it is uncomfortable for him. But having said that, I am not going
against anyone, only going in favour of Casillas."
The reigning world and European champions face a World
Cup qualifier away to Finland on Friday, before a friendly meeting with Chile
in Geneva on Tuesday.
Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes are the other goalkeepers
named in Del Bosque's 23-man Roja squad.
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