Alonso ready make use of Spain chance

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has insisted he can build a potent midfield partnership with fellow playmaker Xavi as he prepares for Saturday’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifier at home to Belgium.

Injuries to Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta have left Alonso as the obvious choice alongside Xavi and defensive enforcer Marcos Senna for the fixture at Deportivo’s Riazor stadium. Questions have been raised about the pair’s compatibility due to their similar playing styles, but the Basque midfielder, now back in La Liga with Real Madrid, is confident they can prosper.

Alonso, who suffered a knock in training today but is expected to be fit for Vicente Del Bosque’s team, told the media this morning: “Today I have been working with Xavi and I think it went well. And when I play with Senna it is no problem either.”

Spain are currently six points clear of Bosnia-Herzegovina at the top of Group 5, with four matches remaining in their qualification campaign, and appear set to join the Netherlands, who are the only European side to secure their place in next year’s finals so far, in South Africa