Spain and Arsenal FC midfielder Cesc Fabregas is even more determined to force his way into Spain's World Cup plans after being given his first experience of Spain's senior international squad. The young midfielder would relish the chance to play against any of Spain’s Group H rivals, the Ukraine, Tunisia or Saudi Arabia in the finals.

18 year-old Fabregas, and his Arsenal team-mate, striker Jose Antonio Reyes were among 33 ‘Furia Roja’ players called up by Spain coach Luis Aragones for a get-together at a hotel in Madrid last weekend.

It was the first time Fabregas had been involved with the Spanish senior squad. Fabregas, at 18 years old, is already a regular in the Spanish Under 21 side, and scored a goal against England a year ago in an under 21 encounter. He also was a leading Spanish player in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championships, finishing as top scorer, even though he was on the losing team in the final.

Cesc Fabregas joined Arsenal FC in September 2003, and three months later became the English Premiership club's youngest-ever scorer at the age of 16 years and 212 days, in a 5-1 English League Cup win against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, and, by the end of the campaign, had played 46 games in all competitions for the Gunners.

The knee injury which has sidelined the Barcelona midfielder Xavi for up to six months could offer Fabregas the perfect chance of a call-up for a friendly ahead of the tournament, from which Fabregas hopes to break into the first-team for the finals.

The Arsenal midfielder is delighted that his progress at Arsenal has been recognised by Luis Aragones, hoping that this senior call-up could prove to be the first step towards his first cap.

"It is very good news for me. I have been working really hard to get the place. I will have to try and take my opportunity in the same way I took it at Arsenal," Fabregas told Arsenal’s club website.

He recently said of the possibility of playing in the World Cup finals; "Everyone thinks about the World Cup, even me. You never know. I didn't expect to play so many games for Arsenal last season, so why not?

"You just have to believe in yourself, to work hard, keep playing like that and stay focused.

"Nothing is impossible in football. Life has told me that if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can always get positive things. That's what I will try to do."

As far as his view on the possibility of being picked by Aragones for the Spain squad, Fabregas said; "Of course, I know I am young and I respect his opinion, but I will try to work hard to get into the full team. If it's not possible this season then maybe next season.''

"I'm in the Under 21s and I'm 18,'' said Fabregas, "But I'm working really hard and if the national coach can see the way I play and thinks I can get an opportunity, it would be brilliant.”

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