Ronaldo to be unleashed on Scotland as Roberto Martinez scoffs at rest suggestion for Portuguese 'icon'

Roberto Martinez insists he’s ready to unleash Portugal ‘icon’ Cristiano Ronaldo on Scotland.

Tuesday's Hampden kick-off comes just 72 hours after the goalscoring great dragged his 39-year-old legs through an hour of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Poland in Warsaw. That was enough time, though, for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend to extend his record-breaking international haul as he buried goal No133.

Three days on and Portugal are back in action against Steve Clarke’s men. But boss Martinez insists the famously obsessive fitness freak Ronaldo will be ready to go again at Hampden. That will send a shudder down the spines of the Tartan Army, who saw the five-time Balon d’Or winner pop up to score a last-gasp winner when the teams met in last month’s Nations League clash in Lisbon. Martinez shrugged of suggestions Ronaldo’s veteran status might see him rested against the Scots. He said: “I think the age of a player doesn't come to play. Ronaldo doesn't work as a 39-year-old player.

“He doesn't play certainly as a 39-year-old player. I think we are assessing every player and how they feel. Cristiano has been working really well in this camp. I think the difficulty of playing two games away from home is more how can you prepare between the two games. How can you recover with the players?

“We have got 26 players. That was the decision we could use. We will have a team to start the game, a team to finish the game. And then even another group of players that can come in in the second game. So I am confident that we can carry on adding information.

"But I have no doubt that Cristiano after 60 minutes can be involved in the second game. I don't know if he can start or if he can finish the game. But he can certainly