Mariano Pernia is desperate to make the most of his unexpected call-up to Spain's World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old left-back, recently signed by Atletico Madrid from Getafe, was chosen as a replacement for Asier Del Horno, who injured a tendon in his lower leg on May 24 and has been ruled out for at least 20 days.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) were given the green light by FIFA on Thursday to make the change.

Pernia, born in Argentina, was on holiday in his homeland when he received a call from the RFEF notifying him of his call-up.

He was disappointed for Del Horno but is now eager to take his chance and "live the dream".

"Unfortunately, I'm in the squad due to a team-mate's injury," he said. "That's not the best way but this kind of thing happens in football. I hope he'll get over it as soon as possible.

"It's one thing not to be picked in the 23-man squad but another thing entirely to be included in the squad and then be withdrawn through injury.

"Now that I've achieved the goal of being in the squad, I want to do things very well to help this team."

Pernia is expected to be given a run-out in Spain's next World Cup warm-up against Egypt on Saturday.