NUNO Gomes believes his shock Blackburn Rovers move could hand him an international lifeline – as he bids for a dream World Cup finale.

The 36-year-old signed a two-year deal at Ewood Park last week and revealed he turned down several other offers, including one from Premier League Everton.

The former Benfica, Fiorentina and Braga striker has played in World Cups and European Championships for Portugal and hopes his English switch could earn him an international recall.

He insists helping Rovers back into the Premier League at the first attempt is the priority but believes that could also earn him a place in Portugal’s squad for the World Cup in 2014.

He said: “The talks began two weeks ago. It was quite fast. I had other offers, even from Everton from the Premier League, but everyone here made me feel at home. That was very important for me.

“I’m going to live in Manchester. It’s an hour trip and my family will be with me there. I hope also that Black-burn can help me, perhaps I could even be at the 2014 World Cup with Portugal.

“I had offers from Braga and also Benfica, but wanted to play in England. I had some talks with guys from the MLS and from Everton, but the guys from Rovers convinced me.

“They want me to help the team reach the Premier League. That’s the main goal, the Premier League. I think I can become an idol to the fans. At every club I’ve played, I had the fans’ support and hope I can get it there as well.

“I always loved English football. In England everyone looks at what the player does on the pitch. They don’t look at how old we are. I think I can score many goals, and who knows, after two years maybe I can renew thecontract.”