Novo is Rangers' leading scorer this season

A Spanish FA spokesman said: "We've heard all the news about Novo and are aware of what he is doing in Scotland.

"But suggestions he will be selected for our upcoming matches are incorrect. He will not be in our next squad list.

"Our coach knows all about those who play abroad, but we already have Raul, Fernando Morientes, Jose Reyes, Mista Fernando Torres and Raul Tamudo."

Novo scored the second goal in Sunday's 2-0 victory over champions Celtic, which allowed Rangers to open up a three-point lead over their Glasgow rivals.

And Rangers manager Alex McLeish suggested that such a high-profile score could have caught the eye of Spain manager Luis Aragones.

"My contacts tell me Aragones admires quick, determined front men and I believe he's cast his eye over Nacho," said McLeish.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 21 goals in his first season with Rangers, told the club's website: "Signing for this club has been great for my career and the only thing after Rangers is international football.

"If something happens I would be very happy. Maybe it will never happen, you never know.

"I have my feet on the ground just now and I'm just concentrating on playing well for Rangers.

"I know Aragones likes to play with fast strikers like me. He did that when he was manager at Mallorca.