Scolari concern over Portugal´s ´inexperience´

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is concerned that his Euro 2008 side could be handicapped by the absence of talismanic players like Inter Milan veteran Luis Figo and PSG skipper Pedro Pauleta.

Scolari, who guided Portugal to the Euro 2004 final and semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup told local television: “We have now a squad with less experience and less leadership.

“Without Figo or Pauleta the leadership will come from a number of players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Petit, Nuno Gomes or Ricardo Carvalho.”

Scolari, who is reportedly being courted to manage Manchester City next season, said he had already decided on his squad for the June 7-29 competition co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland.

“My list is ready, and there could be some surprises, like the inclusion of a younger plater,” he disclosed.

The 2002 Brazil World Cup winning coach denied reports that Chelsea's right back Paulo Ferreira, who only made a fleeting appearance at Euro 2004, would miss the 2008 edition.

“I've been to London to tell Paulo Ferreira that he's going to the Euro,” Scolari said.