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Jose Callejon: Playing for Spain in home region would be a dream

Napoli forward Jose Callejon hopes to earn his first start for Spain in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Macedonia in his home region of Granada.

Callejon has made two appearances for the national team, the last of them in November 2014.

His strong performances for Napoli -- he has scored seven goals and set up two in 12 league games -- have seen him included in Julen Lopetegui's squad for the games against Macedonia and England.

"Things are going well individually and collectively," Callejon told Onda Cero radio.

"I can't complain. I hope I can continue like this. I've come to the national team with a lot of enthusiasm."

Callejon was born in Motril, the second largest city in the Granada region, and said: "To play in my home region would be something special. It would be wonderful to start.

"I know that if I'm here is because I'm doing things well at my club. But it will be the coach to decide who plays. Of course it would be great to play at Wembley against England too."

Callejon said he believed his decision to leave Real Madrid for Napoli three years ago had opened the door for him to win a place in the national setup.

He moved to Italy in search of more playing time and recalled: "It was difficult for me to leave Real Madrid.

"But I needed to play more. I needed to have the continuity that I have now at Napoli.

"I don't regret it. I made the right decision. I have taken a step forward and I've become a better player.

"I'm at a stage in my career that I'm more mature, and results are coming my way."