Deco works out separately at Portugal training

GUETERSLOH, Germany, June 13 (Reuters) Midfielder Deco, already doubtful after clashing with team mate Costinha last week, trained separately from the rest of the squad today.

The playmaker, who missed Sunday's Group D win against Angola, has four days to return to fitness before his side face Iran in Frankfurt on Saturday.

While he warmed up with the squad, in a public session in front of around 5,000, he spent the next hour on the sidelines, practising short runs and receiving physiotherapy.

Nicknamed 'the magic one', Deco is the ideal playmaker with his long, raking passes and is deadly with free kicks. Luis Figo took over his role in Sunday's win over Angola, with Simao Sabrosa filling in for the captain on the left flank.

Earlier today, midfielder Armando Petit told reporters that the side were working well and training hard and ready to take three points in the game against Iran.

''We need three points to guarantee progression into the next round,'' he said. ''Our main concern is winning the match.'' REUTERS DH ND2226