Brazilian-born Pepe has been named in Portugal's squad for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers, just weeks after gaining Portuguese citizenship.

The side, third in Group A, play at home to Poland on September 8th and 12th.

The 24-year old defender, who this season joined Real Madrid in a 30-million-euro deal, replaces Chelsea's injured Ricardo Carvalho.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari also included Manchester United winger Nani in the 23-man squad.

Poland lead Group A with 19 points from nine matches. Finland are second with 17, two points ahead of Portugal who have played a game less. Serbia are fourth with 14.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Pereira (Betis Sevilla), Quim Silva (Benfica)

Defenders: Miguel Monteiro (Valencia), Jose Bosingwa (Porto), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Pepe (Real Madrid), Jorge Andrade (Juventus), Fernando Meira (VfB Stuttgart), Marco Caneira (Valencia), Bruno Alves (Porto)

Midfielders: Raul Meirelos (Porto) Tiago Mendes (Juventus), Joao Moutinho (Sporting), Deco (Barcelona), Armando Petit (Benfica), Maniche Ribeiro (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Ricardo Quaresma (Porto), Helder Postiga (Porto), Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Nani (Manchester United), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)

Reuters