Portugese name strong squad for Wednesday's International

The Wales Semi Professional side face a tough test in their second International Challenge Trophy match when they play the crack Portuguese Under 23 outfit in Fatima on Sunday.

An eighteen-player squad was released today by the Portuguese Football Federation following the weekend's matches, and it includes one English Premier League player, as well as stars from giant clubs Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.

Reports in the local media said that;

"Surprisingly, Fabio Coentrao and Ruben Micael were included in this squad, not the Senior squad list. Carlos Queiroz (Portuguese National Manager) stated today that he intends today to call-up a number of these players on Monday (after their game). He hinted that the likes of Rui Patricio, Yannick, Ruben Micael, and Fabio Coentrao could get the nod, depending on their fatigue.

Left-sided striker Yannick starred for Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League last Thursday against Everton and also scored in his team's 3-0 win over Porto last night, so the speed merchant will be a real threat to the Welsh defence, who will be marshalled by captain Lee Surman of Port Talbot.

The match will be played at 3:00pm on Wednesday in the Municpal Stadium of Fatima. The Welsh squad arrived at their base in Fatima last night and will be training twice today and on Tuesday in preparation for the tough test. Wales Semi Professioal Manager Terry Boyle was delighted that a full squad reported fit after the weekend, with only Port Talbot's Drew Fahiya withdrawing from the original squad on compassionate grounds.

There are fourteen Principality Welsh Premier League players in the squad, so Wednesday's match will be a real challenge but a tremendous experience for the players selected by Boyle.

Portugal Under 23 Squad to face Wales Semi Professional Squad

Emidio Rafael, João Ribeiro, Nuno Coelho (Académica), Fabio Coentao (Benfica), Ricardo Vaz Te (Bolton Wanderers), Vasco Fernandes (Celta de Vigo), Ruben Micael, Miguel Lopes, Nuno André Coelho (all FC Porto), Vieirinha (PAOK), Bruno Gama, Vitor Gomes (both Rio Ave), Rui Patricio, Saleiro, Yannick (all Sporting Lisbon), Paulo Machado (Toulouse), Pele (Valladolid), Mario Felgueiras (Vitoria de Setubal)