Source: Team_Talk
Torres to keep Spain place
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque is set to stick with Fernando Torres for Tuesday night's Euro 2012 qualifier against Scotland in Alicante.[LNB] The Chelsea striker has shown flashes of his former brilliance in recent weeks even though his Stamford Bridge career continues to be a case of 'one step forward, two steps back'.[LNB]A fine, goalscoring display at Old Trafford against Manchester United was overlooked due to a glaring second-half miss while, in the Blues' next league game, an early goal was overshadowed by a red card for a lunge on Swansea's Mark Gower.[LNB]Torres has also struggled for his national team, failing to find the back of the net for the world and European champions for over 12 months.[LNB]But despite the question marks hanging over the former Atletico Madrid and Liverpool star, Del Bosque seems likely to start him against the Scots.[LNB]He told reporters at a press conference: "He is doing well for his club. A player cannot be constantly judged, we have to look at it from a broader perspective.[LNB]"We must be fair because he has a lot of competition but Torres has a history and a presence."[LNB]Torres started Friday's 2-0 win in the Czech Republic but was withdrawn for David Villa just after the hour mark.[LNB]"I saw Fernando in good form with a lot of energy and enthusiasm," said Del Bosque.[LNB]"Unfortunately we didn't find the right pass for him against the Czechs.[LNB]"He did what I asked of him. Fernando made them defend deep and opened up space."[LNB]Del Bosque was less willing to guarantee the £50 million man a place in his squad for the Euro 2012 finals, for which his team have already qualified.[LNB]"For the Euros we will see what happens, nobody will have privileges," he said.[LNB]Victor Valdes is another set to play against Craig Levein's men having found opportunities limited behind Real Madrid's Iker Casillas and Liverpool stopper Jose Reina.[LNB]"He has great qualities, he dominates his area and is a very strong goalkeeper," said Del Bosque of the Barcelona goalkeeper.[LNB]"He's also a nice guy who has adapted well to the situation."[LNB]Spain have a 100% record after seven qualifying games in Group I and Del Bosque is demanding they go out on a high. He is also aware of the need to respect the situation in the pool with Scotland and the Czech Republic vying for the runners-up spot.[LNB]He said: "We have to show the same attitude as we did against the Czech Republic the other day.[LNB]"As an arbiter of this situation we must continue on the same path."[LNB]The hosts are without Real Madrid centre-half Raul Albiol due to a broken cheekbone sustained in training, with Barca's Carles Puyol set to step in.[LNB]
