FOR almost 15 years Ricardo Silva has supported Blackburn Rovers in the English Premiership but on Saturday his loyalties lie firmly with his home nation, Portugal.

And while England fans are looking for revenge after Portugal knocked them out in the quarter finals of the European Championships two years ago, 27-year-old Ricardo is hoping to avenge a defeat that stretches back more than 40 years.

He said today: "We have not been this far in the World Cup since 1966 when England beat us.

"This will be a chance to repay the loss we suffered in the semi-final."

With Portugal's star players Deco and Costinha suspended for the match in Gelsenkirchen he rates their chances at only 50/50.

But he believes manager Luis Felipe Scolari, a one-time target to replace England boss Sven Goran Eriksson, can make a difference.

He said: "On the one hand the team already has experience of playing without them but on the other hand they are two of our most influential players in midfield, more than Figo. They're very important.

"I think Costinha will be well replaced by Petit but it will be very difficult to replace Deco.

"I think it will be decided on small details. Maybe the better striker or a free kick.

"England has a good squad but as a team they are not working too well.

"People in Portugal are confident in the team especially the manager, even though not everyone supports him.

"He will motivate them, make them give 110 per cent and make a difference."

Ricardo, a Benfica fan, is originally from Lousada in the north of Portugal but now studies chemical engineering at the University of Minho outside Guimares, where he will be watching the game.

He started following Rovers in the 1992/93 season when football began to get more coverage on TV.

He said he chose Blackburn Rovers and Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna to support because they were underdogs in their respective leagues at the time.

And he has cheered them on ever since, proudly wearing his blue and white Premiership winning strip, whenever he can.

He said: "I like the story of the small club which has done big things and the passion of the fans.

"They are the underdogs but they have done very well."