"We like him a lot" – National boss insists Wolves man remains in picture, despite ignoring him this time

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Portugal boss Roberto Martínez has urged Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Toti Gomes to continue working after missing out on his squad for this international break.

O Jogo cover comments from the Portugal boss today as he announced his squad for the upcoming clashes with Poland and Croatia in the Nations League.

The absence of Manchester City's Rúben Dias has opened up the opportunity for others in defence to step up and make their claim to the Spanish boss.

Wolves defender Gomes would have been in contention after starting this season as a regular for Gary O'Neil's side following the departure of Max Kilman in the summer transfer window.

He's already made his debut for his country, playing 90 minutes in a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in November last year and then 45 minutes in a 5-2 win over Sweden in March this year.

He has failed to make any of the squads since, though, missing out on the group that headed to Euro 2024 and that has since competed in the Nations League.

That will continue for the Wolves defender in this international break and Martínez says that is simply because Chelsea's Renato Veiga has staked a better claim this time around.

"He’s a player we follow, we like him a lot, but Renato Veiga’s start to the season has put him ahead," he said.

"I like being honest, we do a very professional job, and then it’s football that gives opportunities to players, who have to be ready when the chance comes.

"Renato Veiga had his chance, he took it very well, and in the future Toti will keep knocking on the door and be ready."

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