Ronaldo's chances of making Portugal's Euro 2004 squad this summer have been reprotedly dented after he missed training ahead of Portugal's friendly with Sweden.
Scolari, quoted on BBC Sport, says: "Cristiano Ronaldo is an unknown for me. I've seen him play more for Manchester United than here. I want players who are as keen to play for their country as their club. If you can play with a knock for your club, you can do it for your country."
Liam Millar had a shot over the bar during a 'satisfying if unspectacular first start' for Ireland, with John O'Shea also doing well.
Roy Carroll played the second half for Northern Ireland keeping a clean sheet and Darren Fletcher was considered as one of the star-performers in a poor Scotland performance and a one-nil defeat to Denmark.