TEMPO.CO, Madrid - Jose Callejon has been in top shape for his club Napoli this season and the Spanish forward may probably have a chance to prove that he has what it takes to make a successful transition to the international arena.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque included Callejon in the European champions' squad for the first time for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus on Saturday and a friendly against the 2014 World Cup winner Germany next Tuesday.
The 27-year-old's selection was triggered by his eight goals for Napoli in 11 Serie A appearances this season. He already has more than half as many as the 15 goals recorded in 2013-14, and it was a big leap for a Real Madrid academy graduate who was ignored by Spain’s capital club.
After moving on from Real's B squad in 2008, Callejon spent three seasons at La Liga side Espanyol before returning to Real in 2011, where he often played as a substitute player under coach Jose Mourinho.
"He has good technique for scoring goals, with a very accurate shot," Del Bosque told a Spanish radio on Tuesday.
"It's not a surprise, he just didn't have regular opportunities with Madrid."
Callejon told a news conference at Spain's training headquarters outside of the Spanish capital on Wednesday that he was confident and determined to maximize his opportunity.
"I am on good form for my club and I want to show that here as well," he told reporters.
"I want to demonstrate that I am in very good shape physically and that I can hold down a place in the team for a long time," he added.
Spain's effort to qualify for the tournament in France in two years' time, when they will be chasing a third consecutive continental crown, was shocked when they were defeated 2-1 in Slovakia last month.
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