In the fallout from the Russian roulette played at Chelsea, Carlos Queiroz is now favourite to take over Portugal.

The Portuguese FA (FPF), who lost Luiz Felipe Scolari to Chelsea, has earmarked Manchester United's assistant manager Queiroz as the successor to ‘Felipao’.

With Portugal still gunning for glory in Euro 2008, the FPF is not likely to make an official approach or make an announcement about Scolari's replacement until after the end of the tournament.

And if Queiroz is appointed, he will return to the national squad following a three-year stint in the late 80s and early 90s. The coach led the Portuguese youth team, which included Luis Figo to World Youth Cup wins in 1989 and 1991. He then led the senior Portugal side for three years between 1991 and 1994.

Queiroz was also with the United Arab Emirates and South Africa before becoming Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Old Trafford. The Mozambique-born coach is the fourth assistant Sir Alex has had during his 18 years of reign at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese has also been touted as a potential replacement to Ferguson but he could look to leave the club with the United manager's retirement still a few years away.

By Eugene YS Han (espnstar.com)