Robson says Ronaldo must start

Newcastle United manager Bobby Robson has urged Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to pick youngster Cristiano Ronaldo from the start for the crunch final Group A game with Spain.

A draw may not be enough for the hosts to progress to the quarter-finals and that is why Robson believes they should utilise the talents of the young winger.

The former England boss, writing a column for O Jogo newspaper during Euro 2004, has been impressed by two substitute appearances by the Manchester United teenager.

Ronaldo scored Portugal’s consolation goal and looked dangerous in the 2-1 opening defeat by Greece in the tournament opener, although he did concede the penalty that led to the second Greek goal.

In the 2-0 win over Russia at Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz, he set up fellow replacement Manuel Rui Costa for the second goal.

“The Portugal coach (Scolari) should pick Cristiano Ronaldo from the start,” said Robson.

“The way he finished the season with Manchester United saw him stake a very good claim for a starting berth.

“He has done well in the two games, making a goal and scoring one too. He should play from the start.”