Everton star Tim Cahill is of form belief that his teammate Mikel Arteta is good enough for the star-studded Spain squad. The pair combine as a lethal combination for the Toffees with Cahill's aerial brilliance and Arteta's penchant for dead ball situations and the Australian says that the former Real Sociedad midfielder should be mixing it with the likes of Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Xavi in the Spanish team even before the injury to Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

"Mikel is one of my closest friends and I think Mikel deserves to be in the squad on his own merits," the Australian told evertonTV. "For Spain it is important they do get Fabregas back because you saw against Barcelona how talented he is. Maybe if he doesn't make it back then Mikel could get the chance to be in the squad.

"I think the best thing for Mikky is to just get fit and everyone knows what he can do," he continued. "The Spanish manager knows that too.

"Even without the Fabregas incident I think Mikel deserves a chance if he can get himself up to full fitness."

Cahill admits that Arteta has been out of action for a lengthy amount of time and needs to prove himself at the top level again but says that with his temperament and ability, should be strongly considered to go to South Africa later this year.

"He has always had the right temperament. He is always ready for anything and is a great professional," Cahill added. "I think maybe there is a question is over the length of time he had out and how fit his body will be in six or eight weeks time. That though is the same for every player.

"I think what Mikky has done over the years so far means he warrants a place already but there is only one man who can make the decision."