Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas was delighted to get back into the thick of the action as he started between the sticks in Spain's 2-1 win over Haiti.

The Real Madrid man played the first 45 minutes before coming off for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, and Casillas admits that he will have to work hard to keep Reina and Victor Valdes on the bench.

The stopper had been out of action since January due to a hand injury while his falling out with former coach Jose Mourinho also saw him fall behind Diego Lopez in the pecking order at Madrid.

With the Confederations Cup now just around the corner, Casillas admits that it will be hard to secure the number one spot for Spain.

"I've been out about four months," the 32-year-old explained to reporters after the match. "After so long without playing I was both happy and nervous tonight.

"I see myself fighting from a spot from the start with a disadvantage to my peers, going up against Pepe and Victor. Not playing for long puts a dent in a player like me.

"Sometimes it's good to go through that, to appreicate it more when you play."