Back-to-form Morientes delighted by Spain recall

Although he also had a quiet closing half to the season after joining Liverpool, stability has given him the chance to force his way back into the Spain reckoning.

"The truth is that I have had a period with continual changes in my career and you need time to adapt to play in France and England," said Morientes, who spent the 2003-04 season on loan at Monaco.

Morientes believes his style of play has changed slightly since joining the European champions, but he feels that his experience so far in England has made him a better player.

"Now at Liverpool I play more as a traditional centre-forward as high balls are still vital in England. Playing in France and England has reopened the doors of the Spain squad for me in a World Cup year."

There are three other Liverpool players in the Spain squad - Xabi Alonso, Jose Reina and Luis Garcia - which the striker sees as positive.

He added: "It shows that Spanish players have the quality to succeed when they are given the chance in other countries."