As Portugal face a vital World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, they are getting some insider help from a player who already knows many of their opponents very well – winger Luis Boa Morte.
Boa Morte spent this season on loan to Fulham from Southampton, hopes to get a chance to perform for his country.
But even if he does not, he hopes to help the team by giving them as much information about the opposition as he can.
Boa Morte made an impressive debut for his country despite the heavy reverse in last month’s 4-0 defeat in the friendly match against France in Paris.
He realises that with competition for places, it will be hard for him to get into the team, but his strong performances for Fulham this season which helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League have not gone unnoticed in Portugal.
“I constitute another option who can give the manager a headache when it comes to picking his team,” he told Record. “I know it will be difficult, but I always keep my head up. From the moment a player is selected, he has to realise that anything can happen.
“All matches are important. We have to do our utmost to come away with the three points.”
Boa Morte, who previously played for Arsenal before joining Southampton, has already passed on some of his knowledge to the team. “We spoke about details. We all know English football and the way teams play.”
He picked out Leeds players Ian Harte and Robbie Keane as Ireland’s main dangermen.
Ireland currently head the group, while Portugal lie three points behind with a game in hand and level on points with second-placed Holland.
