Portugal KO for Alves as star floored by bug

RANGERS star Bruno Alves has been laid low after suffering from a bout of gastroenteritis on international duty with Portugal.

The veteran defender was called up by Fernando Santos for the World Cup double-header with Faroe Islands and Hungary.

But he was forced to pull out of the squad ahead of the first match in Porto on Thursday after complaining about feeling unwell.

And he’s now trying to recover from the bug after being isolated from his international team-mates – including Cristiano Ronaldo – and is a major doubt for their next game in Budapest tomorrow.

Santos said: “Bruno actually arrived with systems of gastroenteritis when he got here and warned us about it.

“In the middle of the morning team talk, he appeared to have intestinal problems and had to rapidly depart.

“He was unable to stay in the theatre and was distressed.

“He has a fever and is resting in his room on his own.

“We decided not to take him to the game as a precaution because these things can be complicated and he could be contagious.

“He’s resting now and we will monitor him.”

Alves, 35, signed for Rangers in the summer and has made five appearances for Pedro Caixinha’s side, netting once against Dunfermline in the Betfred Cup.