Rolan hopeful of return to Uruguay's national football team

It is difficult these days for any Uruguayan to earn a place on the national football team, let alone an attacking player. But Diego Rolan refuses to abandon that dream and has his sights set on a possible roster spot for the 2019 Copa America, which will be hosted by Brazil.

"It's a dream I have. I'd like to return to the national team because it's an incredible experience playing (on the squad) and participating in the Copa America, in the World Cup, or in any friendly. I'll try to work and do everything I can to get back there," the 25-year-old striker for Spanish-league club Leganes told EFE.

Rolan, who starred in the youth ranks of Uruguay's national team and also has represented La Celeste at the highest level on more than a dozen occasions, says he knows what it will take to get the call.

"It's crystal clear. I obviously need to have minutes, perform well, try to score goals and try to be at a high level so the coach (Oscar Tabarez) has renewed expectations for me," he said.

A return to the national squad would almost surely mean sharing a locker room once again with (FC Barcelona star striker) Luis Suarez and (standout Paris Saint-Germain striker) Edinson Cavani.

"I like playing with those two. They're both great forwards. When I was on the team I played on the outside and they were always up front."

But Rolan will have stiff competition from two other La Liga players: Girona's Cristhian Stuani, that league's top goal-scorer thus far in 2018-2019 with eight; and Celta Vigo's Maxi Gomez, who is tied for sixth in goals in the Spanish league with four.

--IANS

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