Roberto Soldado is hoping for more action with Real Madrid after making a start in last week's defeat at Deportivo La Coruna.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy having possible season-ending ankle surgery, Soldado says he's ready to fill the void: "Being the Madrid No9 is more than I hoped for (against Depor). I did not do everything I would have liked, but now with the injury to Ruud, I may have more minutes.

"For me now, the door has opened. The coach gave me an opportunity the other day to go out for the first time as a starter and now what I have to do is continue training strongly throughout this week to see if I again get this chance."