LISBON, Portugal (AP) _ Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari picked three under-21 players Thursday for this month's European Championship qualifiers.

The Brazilian called up Werder Bremen striker Hugo Almeida and Sporting Lisbon midfielder Nani into his 22-man squad. Both have previously been called into the senior squad but have never played.

PAOK goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes replaced injured second-choice Quim Silva of Benfica.

Portugal has made a jittery start to its Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. It is fourth in Group A with seven points from four games and needs to win against Belgium at home March 24 and in Serbia four days later to stay in contention.

Portugal beat Brazil 2-0 in a friendly in London last month.