United target nets call-up

The 19-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, wins his first call-up to Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad, but will not join his team-mates until the Bolivia game.

The midfielder will miss Portugal's match with Paraguay due to Under-21 commitments, along with Newcastle United's Hugo Viana.

Scolari feels the time is right to introduce the young talent to top-flight international football after watching his performances for Sporting this season.

He said: "He's been playing very well for the Under-21 side. It's a first opportunity for a young player."

FC Porto striker Helder Postiga has also been selected as Scolari looks to bring in some fresh faces, alongside experienced heads such as Luis Figo.

The squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Pereira (Boavista), Joaquim Silva (Braga)

Defenders: Rui Jorge (Sporting), Fernando Couto (Lazio), Fernando Meira (Stuttgart), Beto (Sporting Lisbon), Rogerio Matias (Guimaraes), Jorge Andrade (Deportivo La Coruna), Paulo Ferreira (Porto).

Midfielders: Luis Figo (Real Madrid), Rui Costa (Milan), Luis Loureiro (Gil Vicente), Hugo Viana (Newcastle), Deco (FC Porto), Nuno Maniche (FC Porto), Tiago (Benfica), Sergio Conceicao (Internazionale), Ricardo Quaresma (Sporting Lisbon).

Strikers: Pauleta (Bordeaux), Simao Sabrosa (Benfica), Helda Postiga (Porto).