The Real Madrid captain failed to make the final cut after falling out of favour with Aragones following the 3-2 loss to Northern Ireland in September 2006 during the qualifying campaign for the Austria and Switzerland tournament.

Spanish fans and media have clamoured for his inclusion, but even a haul of 18 goals en route to a second consecutive La Liga title with Madrid failed to convince the 69-year-old coach.

And former Real Madrid and Bolton defender Hierro, who now works as a sporting director for the Spanish FA, believes the decision to drop his old team-mate was the right choice.

"We've got 23 players and our objective is to win. We should get behind them so they can represent us with dignity," he told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"I'm proud of this list. Luis has been able to not let all this (situation with Raul) bother him. I completely respect Luis' decision."

Hierro went on to complement Aragones on not caving in under the pressure of the public, and admitted that the atmosphere in the squad was now better than it had been before.

"I think Luis is phenomenal, very strong and responsible enough to choose the best 23 players," he continued.

"Furthermore the atmosphere is now at its best and things have calmed down a lot."