Real Madrid skipper Raul offered Spain hope

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque insists Real Madrid captain Raul is a chance to make the World Cup squad.

Raul has struggled for first-team football since coach Manuel Pellegrini's arrival in the summer and his chances of making Del Bosque's squad appeared to be all-but over.

However, the coach told Marca: "I have a personal appreciation for Raul and I'm not talking about tributes because for me, he is a player that I could select."

One possible rival for Raul's place in the squad may be in-form Barcelona attacker Pedro.

"Pedro is a possible World Cup player with or without the goal he scored against Estudiantes (in the Club World Cup final)," said Del Bosque.

"In his position we have a number of talented players, but we have six months to make the best decision."