Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is delighted to have been called up by Spain even if it is only as a result of an injury to Iker Casillas.
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De Gea has joined up with La Roja for their upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers with Finland and France although he is unlikely to see any game time.
Barcelona's Victor Valdes and Liverpool's Pepe Reina remain ahead of him in the pecking order for national-team boss Vicente Del Bosque.
But the 22-year-old, who has won many admirers with his performances in the Premier League this season, is pleased nonetheless.
He said: "This is a special moment for me and a big step in my career."
De Gea has been called up on previous occasions but is yet to win his first Spanish cap.
He added: "I want to enjoy this and learn from my team-mates, who are my and many other people's idols.
"It's a pity Iker Casillas is out. We all know he is our captain and a legend but I'm happy to be here, even if it's because of his injury."
De Gea initially shared goalkeeping duties with Anders Lindegaard upon his arrival from Atletico Madrid in June 2011, but has since nailed down his place as number one at Old Trafford.
"I've changed a lot in Manchester," he told the Daily Star. "I've spent two years in their football culture and it makes you change. I'm more mature as a person and a player. I'm a very different person from when I arrived in England."
Heading into the match, Spain occupy top spot in Group I, while Finland sit in last place.
Spain: Victor Valdes; Alvaro Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta; Pedro Rodriguez, David Villa, David Silva.
Finland: Niki Maenpaa; Niklas Moisander, Jukka Raitala, Kari Arkivuo, Joona Toivio; Perparim Hetemaj, Teemu Taino, Tim Sparv, Alexander Ring; Teemu Pukki, Mikael Forssell.
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