Jose Fonte is itching to earn his first Portugal cap and is hoping he will get the chance to do just that next week.

The Saints defender was last month called up by his country for the first time, but did not feature in either of their games on that occasion.

Fonte will find out later this week if he is in the latest squad, for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Armenia and the friendly encounter with Argentina.

Given his outstanding form for Saints, it would certainly be a surprise if he is not selected, and he is hoping coach Fernando Santos will again include him when he announces the names on Friday.

“Of course, definitely. I feel great, the team is playing fantastic, I’m part of it, so I’m looking to get in the squad, obviously,” said the centre-half.

Portugal host minnows Armenia in a Group I clash, on Friday, November 14, before facing Argentina, at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, on Tuesday, November 18.

That could mean Fonte having to mark Lionel Messi.

Whatever happens, though, the 30-year-old is just hoping he gets a chance to finally earn a cap.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I’m itching to put the shirt on and play, and hopefully that can happen in the next couple of games.”

Fonte, who was part of the squad for the October friendly against France and Euro 2016 qualifying win in Denmark, believes he learnt a lot from his time with his country last month, even though he didn’t get on the pitch.

“It was just a great experience to be in the dressing room with those top, top players and learn from them,” he said.

“It was just fantastic, and for me it is just part of my development.”

If picked, Fonte will be one of a large number of Saints players away on international duty next week.

Fraser Forster is a near-certainty to be in the England squad, which is announced on Thursday, for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia and friendly with Scotland. He will be hoping to be joined by Saints teammates Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand.

Centre-halves Toby Alderweireld (Belgium), Maya Yoshida (Japan) and Florin Gardos (Romania) are all expected to be away with their country.

The same is true for central midfield stars Morgan Schneiderlin (France) and Steven Davis (Northern Ireland), as well as the likes of Dusan Tadic (Serbia), Shane Long (Republic of Ireland), Sadio Mane (Senegal) and Emmanuel Mayuka (Zambia).

Graziano Pelle, who scored on his debut for Italy last month, should be in line for another call-up, given his superb form recently.

Some of Saints’ younger contingent, such as left-back Matt Targett and midfielder Harrison Reed, both 19, will likely be picked for England Under-20 action, while keeper Cody Cropper could be selected by the United States.