Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar is hoping to win a place in Spain's World Cup squad after finally coming to terms with the Premiership. He took time to adjust to life south of the border after being signed from Rangers and was not helped by a series of injury niggles.

But during the current campaign Cuellar has impressed at right-back and latterly in his preferred role of central defender.

The 28 year old said: "Everyone in Spain seems to be saying I will be going to the finals. That's what I keep hearing on television and radio and reading in the newspapers.

"But I know it is going to be very hard to get into the national team because they keep winning.

"They won the European Championship in 2008 and they still are a very good team. Most of the players are from big clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia so it will be difficult.

"But I believe I still have a chance and I'm working hard to try and get into the team. What matters is the final list of players put together by the national coach."