Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes is looking forward to the chance to renew his partnership with former club colleague Raul

“I don’t know yet if I will be in the starting line-up, but if I am I will be really proud to be wearing the Spanish shirt again,” the 29-year-old former Real Madrid striker said ahead of his side’s friendly international against Uruguay.

“It is a reward to be selected for the national team and I’m going to make sure I make the most of it. It may be just a friendly but we are all going to be taking the match very seriously.”

After being left out of the Spain squad for the best part of a year, Morientes has been recalled by coach Luis Aragones.

“It will be very important to play alongside Raul because I know him so well,” said Morientes.

“There will be more of an understanding with him than with someone I don’t know and I will be more relaxed.”

Morientes, who left Real Madrid after becoming frustrated with the limited opportunities available, said he felt more settled with life at his new club.

“In the 11 months since I was last called up there have been some important changes in my career,” he said.

“When I was at Real Madrid I hardly played and it was difficult to play for the national team and when I arrived at Liverpool I had some initial problems with my fitness and in adapting to the training.

“Now everything is going as I had hoped it would.”