Spain striker Diego Costa has thanked coach Julen Lopetegui for making him feel more at home at international level.

Brazilian-born Costa switched allegiance to Spain ahead of the 2014 World Cup despite having played two friendlies for the country of his birth.

But Lopetegui has brought the 28-year-old back into the fold and he scored his fourth goal of the qualification campaign for Russia 2018 in Spain's 4-1 win over Israel on Friday.

"It's really important when the coach has the trust in you," Costa told reporters.

¡Así es está la clasificación tras nuestra victoria ante Israel!
— Selección Española (@SeFutbol)

"Del Bosque trusted me a lot, and with the time I was more comfortable in the national team.

"I'm more comfortable now, little by little I'm getting more confident and I'm improving my game."

Spain lead Italy at the top of Group G on goal difference and travel to Paris for a friendly against France on Tuesday.