Carlos Martins recalled into Portugal squad

Scolari to test Huelva midfielder as alternative to Deco

Carlos Martins has been recalled into the Portugal squad for next week’s friendly against Greece in Dusseldorf, Germany, as Portugal continue to prepare for the European Champions this summer.

The former Sporting player, who has been in fine form in Spain for Recreativo Huelva of late, has one Portugal appearance to his name, which came in 2006 shortly after the World Cup.

Scolari has also recalled Miguel Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Simao, Miguel and Pepe while dropping Petit, Maniche, Makukula and Quim. Automatic starters Deco and Bosingwa are also out injured.

The Brazilian coach admitted that the call-up of Martins is linked to a need to find a viable alternative for Deco. Whenever the Barcelona midfielder has been missing for Portugal the team has suffered from a lack of a creative spark in central midfield.

Deco alternative

“Martins is one of the alternatives. We’ve already tried others which worked out well in some games and not in others. Now, at least for 45 minutes, I will test another name in this position. Let’s see his reaction now he’s given this chance,” said Scolari.

The Portugal coach also pointed out that a lot of water would pass under the bridge before finalising the definitive 23-man squad to take to Austria and Switzerland.

“Until the Euro several aspects have to be taken into account, both technical and physical. The deciding games in the championships and Champions League will have a heavy influence, and until May lots of things can happen. We may have to change some names in the final squad.”

The Greece friendly next Wednesday will be the final match before the pre-tournament training camp in Viseu, North Portugal, between 18 and 31 May.

Portugal are in Group A in the tournament and face Turkey, the Czech Republic and joint hosts Switzerland.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Ricardo (Betis), Rui Patricio (Sporting)

Defenders: Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Meira (Stuttgart), Jorge Ribeiro (Boavista), Pepe (Real Madrid), Miguel (Valencia), Caneira (Valencia), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Carlos Martins (Recreativo Huelva), Joao Moutinho (Sporting), Miguel Veloso (Sporting), Raul Meireles (FC Porto) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Nani (Manchester United), Quaresma (FC Porto), Simao (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Nuno Gomes (Benfica)

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