© Reuters 2002

LISBON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Forward Mario Jardel hopes to convince Brazilian trainer Luiz Felipe Scolari that his prolific goal scoring in the Portuguese premiership can earn him a place in Brazil's squad for the forthcoming World Cup.

Sports daily Record on Thursday said Jardel was ready to miss playing for Lisbon side Sporting in a Portuguese semi-final clash on February 6 in order to play for Brazil in a friendly against Saudi Arabia.

"The Europeans have great respect for me and I think I will be important in the World Cup. I believe in myself," Jardel, 28, was quoted as saying in the Record.

Jardel, who plays for league leaders Sporting in Lisbon, is the premiership's top scorer with a tally of 22 goals, despite a late start to the season after a transfer from Galatasaray.

He leads his compatriot Derlei Silva, who trails in second place on 15 goals. Jardel was also the Portuguese premiership's top marksman for four seasons in a row between 1996 and 2000, when he played for Porto.