Ally McCoist has message for Roberto Martinez over handling of star player at Euros

Portugal will continue their bid to win Euro 2024 with a last 16 tie against Slovenia next week. 

The 2016 winners topped their group despite suffering a surprise defeat to Georgia in their final game and remain one of the outside favourites to win the tournament. 

However, former Scotland striker Ally McCoist has questioned the role Cristiano Ronaldo should play for Portugal in the remaining games. The national team icon is yet to score in the competition, and McCoist has told talkSPORT BET that he believes Roberto Martinez needs to find a way to manage the forward's minutes. 

"I’m not so sure that Cristiano Ronaldo should be starting every game for Portugal, that’s something Roberto Martínez needs to take a look at," he said. 

“However, it’s remarkable and fantastic what his teammates from over the years say about him. His work ethic is a perfect example for any young player coming through. There’s nobody on this planet who has worked as hard at their game, body and diet. He’s got as much out of his body as possible.

“That said, he can’t go on forever. He’ll probably want to start in every game at the Euros, but I’d be very surprised if that’s the case. Roberto Martínez will be monitoring him and letting him have days off here and there. He’s at the age where he knows his own body better than anyone else so they’ve just got to let him get on with it.”

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