Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Manuel Almunia is close to a
call-up for Spain after establishing himself as the club's first
choice goalkeeper.
Almunia has been impressive since replacing Germany's Jens Lehmann
in August, conceding just eight goals in 11 Premier League games to
help the Gunners move three points clear.
Liverpool's Pepe Reina is ahead of Almunia in the queue behind
Spain's regular keeper Iker Casillas but Wenger believes even at
the age of 30 Almunia can still play for his country.
"It is a little bit like the Gregory Coupet story in France where
he came late to Lyon and then the national team," Wenger told the
club's Web site (www.arsenal.com).
"Goalkeepers careers can start late. Sometimes it is down to
getting the right chance and the right moment.
"There (are) always noises coming out of the (Spain) camp so I know
that this is thought about.
"I feel as well he is here in an environment with top-class keepers
around him in the team like Lehmann, who test you and push you. But
first of all, he has a fantastic attitude and wants always to
improve."
Lehmann has been frustrated since losing his place to Almunia and
could look for a move in the January transfer window to preserve
his place in the Germany squad.
