The Spain skipper admits he feels at a disadvantage to Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes having been out of regular action since the turn of the year

Iker Casillas believes he has suffered from a lack of playing time in recent months, claiming Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes have an advantage in the battle for the Spain No.1 spot.

The Roja captain played the first 45 minutes for his country in the 2-1 win over Haiti on Saturday, before being replaced by Liverpool’s Reina at the interval after a enjoying a quiet first half in goal.

Having been out of action since January following a hand injury and a falling-out with former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, Casillas admits he faces a battle to keep his place for the up-coming Confederations Cups.

“I’ve been out about four months,” the 32-year-old explained to reporters after the match. “After so long without playing I was both happy and nervous tonight.

“I see myself fighting from a spot from the start with a disadvantage to my peers, going up against Pepe and Victor. Not playing for long puts a dent in a player like me.

“Sometimes it’s good to go through that, to appreicate it more when you play.”

Casillas went on to play down suggestions of a spat with club-mate Alvaro Arbeloa after the defender backed former boss Mourinho in recent weeks, insisting the matter is water under the bridge for the time being.

“We have finished the season with Madrid, and now it’s a new period with the Spain squad. Alvaro has his point of view and that must be respected.

“I don’t have to talk further about him. The important thing is that I’ve returned to playing.”

The striker claims he barely considered offers from elsewhere once he discovered the Reds were interested in him ahead of a €8 million move from Celta Vigo

Iago Aspas claims his heart was always set on Liverpool once the club registered interest ahead of a €8 million move from Celta Vigo.

The 25-year-old, whose 12 goals last season helped Celta narrowly escape relegation, enjoyed a fine debut season in top-flight football, attracting widespread interest throughout Europe.

But he says the combined allure of Liverpool and playing in England easily topped all the other offers he had also received.

“When I heard of Liverpool’s interest I did not hesitate even for a minute,” Aspas told Marca.

“It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and although I also had offers from Italy and Portugal and other countries I decided that my future was in English football.”

The striker, who can also operate out wide, added he was very much looking forward to the next step in his career.

He continued: “I am very calm but at the same time very excited because I am making a very significant step forward in my sporting career.”

The Spaniard believes his Brazilian team-mate can help the Reds finish in the top four of the Premier League next season after impressing since his move to Anfield

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes Philippe Coutinho can help the club return to the Champions League next season.

The 20-year-old joined the Reds in January from Inter for €10 million and proved an instant hit, scoring three goals in 13 league appearances as well as notching up seven assists.

And Enrique believes such vision and efficiency may prove the difference for the club across a full season.

“Coutinho is a very special player,” Enrique told the club’s official website. “His vision and his passing is incredible and he’s an amazing lad as well.

“It was really good to have him in the team and he proved to be a great signing. For me, Coutinho was the best player in the Premier League in the second half of the season.

“He’s still young and improving but I think he will be very important for us next season when we will fight to get into the top four. Hopefully he will help us achieve our target of the Champions League.”

Enrique was also full of praise for England striker Daniel Sturridge, another successful January signing for the club and also challenged any summer signings to hit the ground running in similar fashion to the duo.

“We will have some new players as well to help us next season and if they do as well as the two players we signed in January then we will be in a great position,” he added.

“As well as Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge was on fire. He scored lots of goals and showed he has all the qualities needed to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League.”