NEUSTIFT, Austria, June 8 (Reuters) - Midfielder Marcos Senna is closing in on a place in Spain's starting lineup for their opening Euro 2008 match against Russia on Tuesday.
The Brazilian-born player appears to have been given the nod over Xabi Alonso for the holding role to provide defensive cover for the talented trio of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and David Silva.
Senna, who played a key part in helping steer Villarreal to runners-up spot in the Primera Liga behind Real Madrid this season, has been in the theoretical starting lineup in recent training sessions at the team's base in Neustift.
Coach Luis Aragones is also thought to be mulling over using Getafe midfielder Ruben de la Red in the holding role, although the former Real Madrid youth team player's inexperience could count against him.
Senna told a news conference on Sunday: 'Luis Aragones hasn't confirmed yet if I will be in the starting lineup but I want to make sure I'm in top form so I'm ready when I'm needed,'
'I can play a little bit more forward or a little bit further back, wherever I'm needed and I'm comfortable in both positions. But there is huge competition for places. All of us feel like we're in the starting lineup.'
Iniesta confirmed he was recovering well after missing Spain's final warm-up match because of a stomach bug.
'I lost a little bit of weight because of it and I don't have much to lose so I've tried to make sure I eat well,' said the Barcelona player. 'But I feel better now and will do all I can to ensure I'm in top shape for the game.'
The squad took a break from the training pitch on Sunday morning, spending time in the hotel gym and pool instead.
'We're just trying to kill time anyway we can,' said Iniesta. 'We just want things to get started. Once the first game is over it all goes a bit quicker and things become more intense.'
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