I still have a minor injury since the game against Liverpool but my twisted ankle is far from being able to prevent me from playing against Spain. I missed the previous friendly game and I am really eager to play for our national team.

It is the beginning of a new campaign and everyone is excited about our prospects. Perhaps the performance against England has inspired such optimism and I hope we can build more on it. We are a good side but we need to prove ourselves and get the results if we are to be considered an uprising European football power.

Spain is a very strong team with world class players but we will not be afraid. I think we actually have a very good chance of winning the game if we can play to our standards. It will be great to start with a win as then we will be in a much better position to pursue a qualifying position in our group.

Nikos Dabizas