When it comes to playing for Spain at the European Championship, goalkeeper Pepe Reina is happy even if he's not starting.
Reina, however, will get his chance in goal against Greece on Wednesday with Spain looking to close out Group D with a perfect record following wins against Russia and Sweden. He doesn't mind that he's playing only after Spain had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals.
"I always go out there ready to play. You always go out with the intention of playing and when you do get a chance, just don't screw it up," Reina told The Associated Press. "The mentality (in your preparation) is the same — you need to compete whether you are playing or not."
Reina plays behind Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Spain's regular for nearly seven years now. The 27-year-old Casillas has played 79 times and is only three appearances shy of passing Jose Antonio Camacho for fourth on the all-time list.
"Iker is playing at a high level and there is no reason to replace him," the 25-year-old Reina said. "I know that I could be called in at a difficult moment and I would be delighted to help. I hope not, but if something like an expulsion or an injury happens to Iker, you have to be ready."
Reina isn't expecting his 10th cap to come easily since the Greeks will be looking to exit with a win or risk being the only defending champion to bow out of the competition without a goal scored and the only team not to earn a single point.
"We just need to have a good game and show that we can be counted on for any moment. We'll be ready," Reina said. "I'll go out there motivated to take advantage of the minutes and to win."
Spain coach Luis Aragones said Reina deserved the start after he overlooked the goalkeeper at the 2006 World Cup. Aragones started Santiago Canizares ahead of Reina for the last group game with the Spanish having already clinched a spot in the second round.
"I don't give anything particular to any one player, because they are a great group," the 69-year-old Aragones said Tuesday. "But Pepe has particularly earned my respect not just as a player but as a person."
Reina doesn't alter his approach, whether he's preparing for an international game like this or the Champions League final, which he helped lead Liverpool to last year. They returned to the semifinals this season, too.
"It's obviously different since tomorrow won't get us anything more whereas a Champions League (game) you're playing for the final. You just have to go out there feeling proud about playing for your country and try to play a nice game," he said.
After starting out at FC Barcelona, Reina moved to Villarreal and helped the Spanish club finish third _it's highest position at the time. Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez brought him to England after the Reds won their fifth European Cup in 2005.
Reina, one of four Spanish players at Liverpool, isn't sure if another high-priced signing like Fernando Torres will come along this season.
"Things aren't especially good (economically) but I imagine there will be some important signings for the club that will help us be more competitive," said Reina, who said the Premier League team isn't letting the running feud between owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. disrupt what happens on the field.
"Basically, we're just worrying about the sporting side of things and winning a league title, that's the principle objective of the team," Reina said. "Of course you hope that everything comes into order (off the field) but there is little to say, since we can do little."
As for Sunday's quarterfinal match in Vienna, Spain's regulars just have to stick to their game plan and it should reach its first semifinals in 24 years.
"Physically we're inferior to a lot of teams," Reina said. "Our football is about touches, possession ... and it's what we must exploit."