Norwich City striker Nelson Oliveira earns Portugal recall for World Cup qualifiers

Nelson Oliveira has been recalled into the Portugal squad for the first time since becoming a Norwich City player.

The Canaries striker has 16 caps to his name already but has not represented his country since featuring as a late substitute in a 2-0 friendly win in Luxembourg in November 2015, when he was on loan at Nottingham Forest from Benfica.

The 26-year-old has scored three goals in four games for City so far this season but has been struggling with a groin issue, which makes him a doubt for Saturday’s Championship match at Millwall ahead of the international break.

That has not prevented Fernando Santos naming the talented forward in his squad – alongside big names including Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Fábio Coentrão – for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Portugal host the Faroe Islands on Thursday, August 31 (7.45pm) in Group B qualifying, before travelling to Hungary on Sunday, September 3 (7.45pm).

Oliveira has scored 15 goals in 34 games since joining for around £5million in August 2016, after previous loan spells with Forest, Swansea, Rennes and Deportivo.

The Barcelos-born striker was capped at all youth levels by his country when he was younger but he now has another chance to impress after finding stability in Norfolk.