Mateo Kovacic has said that he is confident of forcing his way into Real Madrid's starting XI in the coming weeks.

The Croatian joined Los Blancos from Inter Milan in the summer, but his two league appearances thus far have come off the bench.

Luka Modric and Toni Kroos currently occupy the two central midfield positions for the Spanish giants, but Kovacic is "sure" that he can work his way into Rafael Benitez's plans.

"Real Madrid is one of the few clubs which you cannot turn down. In the end we found a solution which suited all parties," Kovacic told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Every player dreams about playing for Real Madrid and I have been lucky to have achieved that dream while I am only 21 years old. I consider myself to be incredibly lucky. I know it will be tough to earn my place but I'm sure that I can do it."

Real Madrid return to La Liga action away to Espanyol on Saturday.