Miguel Torres admits he was "surprised" to be overlooked by Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster for last week's victory at Villarreal.

The local fullback was a big success story last season, but appears to be on the outer of Schuster's first team plans and said: "It was a big surprise, particularly as I had been involved in most of the preseason games.

"But now there are new players here and they're playing well. I have no alternative but to work hard in training and hope for my chance."

Torres, who began last season contracted to Real Madrid C, added: "I have been here since I was eight years old. My only aim is to succeed here and it was a great personal moment to sign a contract earlier this summer with the first team.

"The players from the juniors have a much more difficult time to play in the first team than those that come from outside the club."