Spaniard Javi Garcia stuck in the middle

Midfielder hopes his move to the English champions Manchester City will boost his chances of becoming a regular in the Spain team.

Javi Garcia realises it is difficult to get into the Spanish side but is confident his stay in Manchester will help him achieve that goal.

Javi Garcia hopes his move to the English champions will boost his chances of becoming a regular in the Spain team.

He will have a higher profile than at Benfica, the club he left Real Madrid for in 2009 when the then 22 year old went in search of more regular football, but it is not only about profile.

Born in Murcia, eastern Spain, Garcia represented his country at all five age groups before he made his full international debut as a substitute in a friendly against Serbia in May.

It was reward for an excellent season with Benfica in which they helped eliminate City's neighbours United from the Champions League. It also showed the increasing number of Spaniards who play outside Spain they have a chance to feature for the European and world champions.

Garcia's problem isn't the country where he plays, it is a midfield so overstocked with talent that Spain could provide enough world-class talents to fill three international sides.

Coach Vicente Del Bosque is even handed, but he is spoilt for choice. Garcia is a defensive midfielder like Sergio Busquets or Xabi Alonso, neither is going to lose his place any time soon. Another Javi, Bayern Munich's Martinez, is in exactly the same position.

The 6ft 1ins Garcia can also play as a central defender. It is in that role where he may find more opportunities alongside Gerard Pique. A centre-back for Spain is more advanced than for any other country and expected to initiate attacks, which would suit Garcia.

Spain knows a little about Garcia. If he excels at City like compatriot David Silva, they would like to see more of him in the national side.

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