Torres, Pavon win Spanish callups

MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Atletico de Madrid's teenage striker Fernando Torres and Real Madrid's defender Francisco Pavon received their first international call ups from Spain coach Inaki Saez on Thursday.

Saez selected three more untried players -- Athletic de Bilbao goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia, Sevilla striker Jose Antonio Reyes and Real Sociedad left back Aitor Lopez Rekarte -- for a two-day gathering of the Spanish squad in Madrid next week.

The meeting was arranged to replace Spain's exhibition match against Mexico in the United States next Wednesday, which was canceled as the trip was regarded as too tiring.

Nineteen-year-old Torres, who already plays for Spain's under-21 side, is widely regarded as the country's most promising striker. Nicknamed "El Nino", he netted 13 goals last season, his first season in the first division.

Torres' call-up suggests that his full international debut may be close at hand. Spain's next game is an important Euro 2004 qualifying match against Ukraine in Elche on Sept. 10.

"Even though it is only training, you are starting to be with the national team and this means a lot," Torres told Atletico's Web site on Thursday.

Pavon, 23, is the only Real Madrid regular who has not represented his national team. He is the successor of veteran captain Fernando Hierro, whose contract was not renewed at the end of last season.

Saez selected six Madrid players in the squad, including the national side's captain and all-time leading scorer Raul Gonzalez. Valencia will supply five players.

 

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