The Glasgow Rangers centre-back did not play for his country despite being called up.
Considering Bruno Alves has been capped 94 times for Portugal, it was no surprise when the Rangers centre-back was called up for his country this month.
But frustratingly for Gers manager Pedro Caixinha, the 34-year-old missed the clash with Andorra before being an unused substitute against Switzerland a few days later.
In hindsight, Alves would have been far better off remaining in Scotland, as would a Rangers side who used the international break to run the rule over some of the club’s next generation.
A selection of teenage defenders got a run out for Rangers in a specially arranged training ground friendly against Greenock Morton, and Alves’s presence alongside them would have been a valuable learning experience for all concerned.
Instead the defender had a watching brief for his country, traveling despite a recent injury, and Rangers are now left with a potential selection headache for Friday’s match against St Johnstone.
Had Alves remained in Scotland for the last 10 days, Rangers’ staff could have run the rule over him while the player himself could have got some much needed rest given his age and his contribution for the Gers thus far.
When you also consider how Rangers’ teenage centre-backs could have benefited from some time with Alves, Portugal’s decision to select him is frustrating to say the least.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
