"I will have no influence over the possible return to the squad of my friend Raul," Hierro told a press conference.

"Everyone knows about my relationship with Raْl and with many other players that are not in the national team now, but that is the coach's choice."

Real skipper Raul, who wasn't at his best in the past two seasons, has produced impressive displays since the start of the new season.

He scored three goals in the Primera Liga so far to help Real occupy first spot in the league table.

"I once said that Raul is like a Ferrari and now I think he is like a McLaren, Fernando Alonso's car," former Real defender Hierro added.

Hierro is backing Aragones, who has been under-fire due to Spain's poor displays in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

"The only certainty is that my number one choice is Luis Aragones," he stated.

"I have not spoken to anyone, nor have I called anyone because all that is important is that we qualify for the European Championships and thinking about anything else would be counter-productive."