Seaton Rangers half-back Miguel Blanco-Charters says he's dreaming of representing Spain in next year's Rugby League World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The 27-year-old was named in his country's 40-man squad for their qualifiers against Russia and Ireland next month.

The three teams will play one home and one away match with the top team automatically qualifying for the tournament.

The second-placed team will enter a play-off to determine the final European qualifier.

Blanco-Charters has represented Spain five times and has made the same squad as former French internationals Aurelien Cologni, Mathieu Griffi, Nicolas Munoz and Laurent Carrasco and Juan Guasch, son of Catalans Dragons owner Bernard Guasch.

He said: "I'm ecstatic. I've played in a couple of qualifying games but I wasn't sure if I would be back in.

"There are more people making themselves available for Spain and I'm chuffed to even be considered.

"No one is guaranteed a shirt and you've got to earn it and everyone wants one of those shirts."

Blanco-Charters has been representing Spain for about a year and became available for the national team after Seaton club secretary Peter Gilmour saw a player appeal on Twitter.

He was born in Spain but moved to the United Kingdom when he was six years old.

He got into rugby league by his stepfather Colin Armstrong who is a former professional player.

Spain are ranked 21st in the world but this is the first time they've tried to qualify for the World Cup.

He added: "I can't even explain what playing in the World Cup would mean.

"I play rugby as a hobby at the end of the day but I love it.

"When I got the call-up, I thought it was a joke. To get to somewhere like the World Cup would be second to none.

"There are some professionals who never get the chance and hopefully we can get there and make some history along the way."

Miguel currently raises his own funds for trips but has been helped by Seaton Rangers.

People can sponsor him by contacting the club.