Saints team captain Jose Fonte tonight hopes he will finally realise his dream of playing for Portugal.

The defender is still awaiting his debut for the national side, but could feature for them this evening, as they play Argentina in a friendly at Old Trafford.

It might be quite the baptism of fire for the 30-year-old if he does play, with his potential opponents including the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero.

But it is one that Fonte, who has been outstanding for his club this season, will relish.

“Playing against Argentina, in England, at Old Trafford, would be a dream come true,” he told media in Portugal.

“I hope the coach [Fernando Santos] will give me the opportunity.”

Fonte is one of a number of Saints players who could see international action today.

First up is Maya Yoshida, who is with Japan for their non-competitive Kirin Challenge Cup clash with Australia, in Osaka, this morning.

Yoshida scored in last week’s 6-0 win against Honduras, in Toyota, but is expecting a tougher test today, especially with the Socceroos boasting former Everton forward Tim Cahill in their squad.

“Australia will be much more difficult,” Yoshida told reporters in his home country.

“Cahill is the one of the most difficult strikers to play against in Asia.

“Physically, he is very strong and is a great header of the ball.

“I think they will try and play long balls to him and pick up the second balls to shoot, but of course I am looking forward to playing against him.”

This evening, Florin Gardos could be involved for Romania, as they host Denmark in a friendly.

Dusan Tadic is also likely to feature for Serbia, as they visit Greece for a friendly.

Shane Long could also be in non-competitive action for Republic of Ireland, as they take on USA, in Dublin, while Fraser Forster and Nathaniel Clyne will both hope to play for England, as they face Scotland, at Celtic Park.

Morgan Schneiderlin will not be involved for France in their friendly against Sweden, having returned to Saints with a slight hip problem.