New faces in Portugal squad

Portugal coach José Couceiro has given first call-ups to four players in a 20-man squad for the friendlies against Slovakia, in Amadora on 23 March, and four days later against Serbia in Novi Sad as he prepares for this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

New faces
SL Benfica midfielder João Coimbra, CF Os Belenenses defender Mano, CF Estrela da Amadora midfielder Tiago Gomes and CD Olivais e Moscavide defender André Marques were all included in Couceiro's list for his team's last two matches before he names his squad for the finals in the Netherlands. "We hope these two games will strengthen the quality of our squad and that the new players will show their skills and increase our options. It's important to test new options," Couceiro said.

Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Paulo Ribeiro (FC Porto), Ricardo Batista (Fulham FC).

Defenders: João Pereira (Gil Vicente FC), Euripides Amoreirinha (CF Estrela da Amadora), Rolando (CF Os Belenenses), Semedo (Cagliari Calcio), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Mano (CF Os Belenenses), André Marques (CD Olivais e Moscavide).

Midfielders: Ruben Amorim (CF Os Belenenses), Manuel Fernandes (Everton FC), Paulo Machado (UD Leiria), Sérgio Organista (Pontevedra CF), João Coimbra (SL Benfica), Tiago Gomes (CF Estrela da Amadora).

Forwards: Ricardo Vaz Té (Bolton Wanderers FC), Yannick Djaló (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Silvestre Varela (Vitória FC), Ivanildo (UD Leiria), João Moreira (Valencia CF).