Spain coach Luis Aragones has defended his decision to go with youth for this summer's World Cup in Germany.

Aragones named his 23-man squad for the tournament on Monday and surprisingly left out experienced duo Fernando Morientes and Ruben Baraja.

The Liverpool striker and the Valencia midfielder have been regulars in the national team for the past seven years.

But Aragones has decided to go with a squad which is short on World Cup experience. Seventeen of the players selected are yet to play in the biggest tournament in football and 13 will be making their first appearance in an international competition.

"Of course, I wish I could have taken 34 players but inevitably I had to make a decision based on which players would be ideal for my tactics," said Aragones.

"I feel sorry for those who haven't made it, like Baraja, Morientes and the rest."

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who turned 19 earlier this month, is the youngest player in Spain's squad.

Only six players in the party figured in the 2002 World Cup - Raul, Iker Casillas, David Albelda, Xavi, Carles Puyol and Joaquin.

"I've had to ponder a lot," said Aragones. "In the end, I've decided to go with the youngsters.

"The squad's average age is 24 and they all play good football."

Aragones is hoping Real Madrid striker Raul and Barcelona midfielder Xavi will rediscover their top form in time for the tournament, with both players having struggled with serious injuries this season.

"I have full confidence in Raul and I know he will have a great World Cup," he said.

"Raul, just like Xavi, only needs to gain his top form."

However, without Morientes, Spain only have two out-and-out strikers, Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres and Valencia's in-form hitman David Villa.

"We have five players that can play up front," said Aragones.

"There are two players that can play as forwards (Torres and Villa) while two of them can play as wingers (Jose Antonio Reyes and Luis Garcia)."