Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo to become third youngest footballer in Europe to reach 100 caps Ronaldo's first coach was Madeira primary school teacher Francisco Afonso. "He took his chances and always had the desire to learn and go further," Afonso was quoted as saying by Portuguese daily O Jogo. Curiously, he started playing as a centre back. But, because he wanted to organise everything his way, he eventually went up field and became a forward. Ronaldo's club record with Manchester United and Real Madrid speaks for itself. He won Spain's La Liga last season and the Copa del Rey the campaign before after collecting three Premier League titles, a Champions League crown and an FA Cup with United. "I remember his shyness in the first practice with Portugal's senior team," Portugal sports director Carlos Godinho said. He was very young, 18, and he integrated very well in the Portugal squad. He wanted to show everything he had, he would not stop. So much so that the older guys would tell him to breathe a little. He'd get really tired because of his lack of experience. At Euro 2004, Ronaldo came agonisingly close to glory but Greece shocked the hosts in the final. Young Ronaldo was left in tears but Figo, captain at the time, said those events strengthened Ronaldo's resolve. "The 100th cap is a round number, behind which many sacrifices are hidden, many joys, and also the constant desire to always move forward," Figo said. Ronaldo will captain Portugal at home to Northern Ireland as they try to bounce back from Friday's 1-0 away defeat to Group F leaders Russia. The Portuguese are second in the group, three adrift of Russia on six points from three games, and in need of more match-winning magic from their leader. Team details (probable) Portugal (4-4-2): Rui Patricio; Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao; Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Nani, Ruben Micael; Ronaldo, Postiga. Northern Ireland (4-1-4-1): Carroll (Olympiakos); Hughes (Fulham), McGivern (Manchester City), Evans (Manchester United), Cathcart (Blackpool); Baird (Fulham); Davis (Southampton), Evans (Hull), Shiels (Rangers), Pat McCourt (Celtic); Lafferty (FC Sion).