SCOTLAND will face reigning European champions Portugal in an international challenge match at Hampden Park in October.

The two sides will meet in Glasgow on Sunday 14 October in the absence of a UEFA Nations League fixture, with the kick-off time still to be confirmed. 

Alex McLeish's side were drawn in Group C1 of the inaugural European competition alongside Albania and Israel and kick off their campaign at home to the Albanians on 10 September. 

They will then travel to Israel on 11 October before returning to Scotland for the meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo's side. 

McLeish said: “Portugal will provide a stern test for our players, which is exactly what we are looking for in our opposition in challenge matches.

“The recent challenge matches against Costa Rica and Hungary were invaluable to myself and my coaching team, allowing us to get to know the players and experiment with different systems and this match will provide further opportunity for the team to develop. 

“Our Nations League campaign will be in full swing when we play Portugal and it can only be a huge incentive to the players to have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best in the world.”

The final two dates of Scotland's Nations League campaign come away to Albania on 17 November and at home against Israel on 20 November. 

Portugal were also drawn into a three-team group and face Italy and Poland in A3. 

The last meeting between the two nations came in 2002, when the Portuguese ran out 2-0 winners against Berti Vogts' side in Braga thanks to a brace from Pauleta. 

Belgium will provide the opposition in the Scots' other free date on 7 September at Hampden Park.