Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal boss Roberto Martinez risks argument after Scotland win

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has risked a row with Cristiano Ronaldo by saying he benched the forward because he can't start two matches in the space of 72 hours.

The 39-year-old struck in the dying stages to give his country a 2-1 win after goals from former team-mates Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal opted to drop Ronaldo just days after he'd scored his 900th career goal against Croatia. Diogo Jota was preferred up top instead, with the Liverpool star deployed down the middle with Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao on the flanks.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal star came off the bench to score the winner against Scotland in their Nations League clash on Sunday night REUTERS Ronaldo came off the bench to make his mark, with the Al-Nassr star scoring the winner with just two minutes left on the clock. It's an open secret that the veteran doesn't like being benched, having thrown tantrums when dropped or substituted in the past. And while Martinez was pleased with his impact, the Portugal boss has now risked a row with his talisman by saying he's unable to play two matches in the space of 72 hours. “Cristiano is in a good moment," he said. JUST IN:England football players glad to see the back of Gareth Southgate ahead of Finland clash

"It's September, he's played three games, he's scored for his club. "We need to protect all the players. Cristiano can't play two 90-minute games in 72 hours. "Today the important thing was that, if he needed to be on the pitch, it was to finish the game and not to start. "I really liked his commitment, he's ready to do what the team needs and be decisive once again.” READ MORE: Emma Raducanu flooded with supportive messages as tennis star finally breaks silence following US Open exit

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has risked angering his No 7 following his side's 2-1 Nations League win over Scotland REUTERS Martinez, meanwhile, also hit back at claims Portugal were 'dependant' on Ronaldo. “Dependent on Ronaldo? He’s an incredible player. It’s not dependence, he’s an asset," said the former Belgium boss. “In front of goal, he’s crucial. His intelligence to open spaces is important. Speaking of dependence doesn’t make sense.”

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