Spain were 4-0 winners in Liechtenstein in their group opener but there will be several changes for Friday's clash, with the most notable absentee from Vicente del Bosque's squad being Barcelona midfielder Xavi, as the playmaker recovers from tendinitis.

And Del Bosque has been dealt a further blow with Xavi's obvious replacement, Cesc Fabregas, also out and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, Sevilla winger Jesus Navas and Barcelona wide man Pedro also on the sidelines.

But defender Carlos Marchena said: "Xavi is important in this side, but there are other team-mates who can take on his role with calm and confidence.

"We hope to be prepared so that we don't notice any player being missing.''

Del Bosque is also relishing the chance to manage the national side in his home town, but is focused on the task in hand.

He told www.uefa.com: "The Lithuania match will help shed a positive light on my city for it to be appreciated. The national federation president understood that, which is why we will play there.

"We are very happy about that, but we know our focus is to continue the path towards qualification for Poland and Ukraine."

Tomorrow night's other match sees Scotland travel to face the Czech Republic in Prague.

The Scots are top of the group with a win and a draw from their two games to date, while the Czechs suffered a surprise 1-0 loss at home to Lithuania in their last fixture.

Scotland have called Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley into their squad for a potential first cap as cover for Alan Hutton, and the England-born defender is relishing the chance to be involved.

"I got the call on Monday and it was a bit of a mad rush getting the paperwork sorted. I'm delighted to be here and hopefully I'll be involved in the games," he said.

"I'm in shape, I have trained and I'm raring to go if called upon. I'm proud and my father and my family will be proud. They will be delighted I'm here and part of this campaign."