Mendes earns Portugal recall

Gers midfielder back in national squad after more than a year out

Last updated: 6th October 2009  

Mendes earns Portugal recall

Mendes: Back on international scene

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Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes has been recalled to the Portugal national squad for their games against Hungary and Malta after more than a year in the wilderness.

The former Tottenham and Portsmouth midfielder, 30, has not played for his country since 2003, with his last call-up coming in August 2008.

The European giants are struggling to qualify for next summer's World Cup in South Africa as they lie third in Group 1, level on points with fourth-placed Hungary.

The double-header of home fixtures will determine their fate and boss Carlos Queiroz has named a strong squad, despite a number of injuries.

Malaga striker Edinho returns to the squad, while midfielders Tiago, Nuno Assis, Duda and Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa hope to shake off knocks in time to feature.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start against Hungary after recovering from the ankle injury which kept him out of Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Sevilla at the weekend.

Portugal are relying on Sweden to drop points from their corresponding final two games to advance to the play-offs, where they could expect to be seeded.

Squad in full:

Beto (Porto), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting) Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (Porto), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Cesar Peixoto (Benfica), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Rolando (Porto) Deco (Chelsea), Duda (Malaga), Joao Moutinho (Sporting), Miguel Veloso (Sporting), Raul Meireles (Porto), Tiago (Juventus), Nuno Assis (Vitoria Guimaraes), Pedro Mendes (Glasgow Rangers) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Liedson (Sporting), Nani (Manchester United), Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Edinho (Malaga).

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