Koke targets World Cup spot with Spain

Madrid: Koke hopes his form for Atletico Madrid will convince Spain to take him to the World Cup in 2014.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough 2013, winning the Copa del Rey over rivals Real Madrid as well as receiving his first senior caps with la Roja under Vicente del Bosque. And despite acknowledging the competition within the European and world champions, Koke is hopeful his club performances will earn him the recognition of representing his country in Brazil next summer. "Who wouldn`t want to go to the World Cup? I am doing everything to get to Brazil," he told Atletico Madrid`s website. "I`m trying to please the coach and do well, help in any way I can and get into the side little by little, which isn`t easy at all. "I have to stay calm and take things one step at a time though. It`s a long season and I`m focused on Atletico. It was magnificent to win the Copa and beat Real Madrid." Koke`s exemplary form for Atletico this season has seen him linked with European giants Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona in recent weeks. Diego Simeone`s men end the year joint top of La Liga with Barcelona, and will face AC Milan in the knockout stages of the Champions League next February. Goal.com