Morientes out to impress

Spain striker Fernando Morientes is hoping to use Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Northern Ireland to put himself in the shop window for a move away from Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place at the Bernabeu this season as coach Vicente Del Bosque has preferred to partner the prolific Raul with either Guti or youngster Javier Portillo.

And with Brazilian superstar Ronaldo now approaching full fitness following his move from Inter Milan shortly before the transfer deadline, it looks as though Morientes' future could lie away from Madrid.

The striker, who joined the current European champions from Real Zaragoza in 1997, has been linked with moves to Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur in recent months but realises a good performance for Spain could re-kindle any potential interest.

"It is a shop window that reminds people a player is still involved in elite level football," he said.

"When things go badly, the national team gives us all a boost. It is very important for me to continue playing for Spain and if I don't get picked in the future I will do all I can to get back."

He also spoke of his desire to repay the faith shown in him by Spain coach Inaki Saez.

"If you don't play as much as you would like for your club, playing for your country is morally very important because it means the coach is still counting on you," he added.

"For a player, the most important thing in his career is to wear his national colours."