Liverpool shot-stopper Pepe Reina insists he is happy to be helping Spain in the European Championship finals - even if he is not No.1 in goal.
Reina has been on the bench for Spain's opening Group D victories against Russia and Sweden as first-choice Iker Casillas, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, has taken centre stage.
But now that Spain have qualified, Reina is set to play against Greece on Wednesday in the final group game.
He is likely to return to the bench for the quarter-final tie, but Reina insists he is happy to provide the back-up and to help the team.
He said: "I always go out there ready to play. You always go out with the intention of playing and when you do get a chance, just don't screw it up.
"The mentality (in your preparation) is the same - you need to compete whether you are playing or not."
Casillas has been Spain's regular for nearly seven years, winning 79 caps, and Reina does not begrudge the Real keeper his record.
Instead he concentrates on his own game, knowing that he could be called upon at any time to do a job for the team.
He added: "Iker is playing at a high level and there is no reason to replace him.
"I know that I could be called in at a difficult moment and I would be delighted to help. I hope not, but if something like an expulsion or an injury happens to Iker, you have to be ready."
Despite the fact that the Greeks are already out of the competition, Reina says the Spanish will not be complacent.
He added: "We just need to have a good game and show that we can be counted on for any moment. We'll be ready.
"I'll go out there motivated to take advantage of the minutes and to win."
He also believes Spain must play to their strengths if they are to progress in the tournament, saying: "Physically we're inferior to a lot of teams. Our football is about touches, possession ... and it's what we must exploit."
Reina has been on the bench for Spain's opening Group D victories against Russia and Sweden as first-choice Iker Casillas, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, has taken centre stage.
But now that Spain have qualified, Reina is set to play against Greece on Wednesday in the final group game.
He is likely to return to the bench for the quarter-final tie, but Reina insists he is happy to provide the back-up and to help the team.
He said: "I always go out there ready to play. You always go out with the intention of playing and when you do get a chance, just don't screw it up.
"The mentality (in your preparation) is the same - you need to compete whether you are playing or not."
Casillas has been Spain's regular for nearly seven years, winning 79 caps, and Reina does not begrudge the Real keeper his record.
Instead he concentrates on his own game, knowing that he could be called upon at any time to do a job for the team.
He added: "Iker is playing at a high level and there is no reason to replace him.
"I know that I could be called in at a difficult moment and I would be delighted to help. I hope not, but if something like an expulsion or an injury happens to Iker, you have to be ready."
Despite the fact that the Greeks are already out of the competition, Reina says the Spanish will not be complacent.
He added: "We just need to have a good game and show that we can be counted on for any moment. We'll be ready.
"I'll go out there motivated to take advantage of the minutes and to win."
He also believes Spain must play to their strengths if they are to progress in the tournament, saying: "Physically we're inferior to a lot of teams. Our football is about touches, possession ... and it's what we must exploit."
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