Siena defender Luis Neto has earned his first call-up to the Portugal squad as the European Championship semifinalists prepare for their next World Cup qualifying matches.
Valladolid center back Henrique Sereno and Braga midfielder Ruben Amorim won recalls as coach Paulo Bento on Thursday announced three changes to the squad that beat Luxembourg and Azerbaijan in its opening Group F games.
Bento left out Ricardo Costa, Nuno Coelho and Manuel Fernandes.
Portugal plays Russia on Oct. 12 in Moscow and four days later hosts Northern Ireland in Porto as part of its campaign to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Portugal reached the Euro 2012 semifinals in June, losing to eventual winner Spain in a penalty shootout.
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Squad:
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon), Eduardo (Istanbul BB), Beto (Braga).
Defenders: Joao Pereira (Valencia), Miguel Lopes (FC Porto), Bruno Alves (Zenit St. Petersburg), Pepe (Real Madrid), Luis Neto (Siena), Henrique Sereno (Valladolid), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), Carlos Custodio (Braga), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Joao Moutinho (FC Porto), Ruben Amorim (Braga), Ruben Micael (Braga).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Nani (Manchester United), Silvestre Varela (FC Porto), Helder Postiga (Real Zaragoza), Luis ''Pizzi'' Fernandes (Deportivo La Coruna), Nelson Oliveira (Deportivo La Coruna).
