Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has said that he must work hard in order to prove Jose Mourinho was wrong to drop him from the team.

The Spanish international has been omitted from Los Blancos' last two league games, with the Portuguese tactician preferring Antonio Adan between the sticks.

Mourinho defended his decision to axe the 31-year-old, stating that it was a "technical decision".

Casillas, who had now been recalled to the starting lineup following Adan's red card against Real Sociedad, said that he is up for the challenge of regaining the number one jersey.

"I have to train harder, grit my teeth and show Mourinho that he is wrong," Football Espana quotes Casillas as saying. "A little setback like this isn't bad, these things make you stronger.

"I love challenges. I want to show myself that in the hardest of times I am worthy of this profession, which I've been training for since I was four years old.

"I have to improve and be even better. I do not think, though, that I've had as bad a season as is being made out. I am not a machine and I have ups and downs.

"I am grateful for the support the fans have always shown me. Since I was 17 I've been under the spotlight and I've always wanted the fans to feel proud of me. I feel flattered when they applaud me and chant my name."

Casillas has won 143 caps for Spain.