João Palhinha was handed a start by new Portugal boss Roberto Martinez in their European qualifier against Liechtenstein.
They ran out 4-0 winners, with two goals coming from record-breaking Cristiano Ronaldo.
It was Palhinha’s first start for his national side since November 2021, a testament to his strong Premier League performances this season.
Elsewhere in the group, Marek Rodák was an unused substitute in Slovakia’s 0-0 draw against Luxembourg, Portugal’s opponents on Sunday.
