Spain midfielder Juan Mata has backed teammate Diego Costa to get back to scoring ways following a poor start to the season with Chelsea.

The controversial striker has managed just three goals in 17 appearances in all competitions this season, and just one goal in nine for Spain.

Despite Costa's current form, Mata, who left Chelsea to join Manchester United in 2014, is confident that it will be a matter of time before the striker is firing on all cylinders.

"Right now we're in the same team, Spain, and we want him to score goals," Mata told reporters. "He's not in the best moment right now as he's not scoring as many as last season but I'm sure he'll soon start to score for Chelsea and for us as he's not forgotten how to."

Costa could feature in tomorrow's international friendly against England in Alicante.