No place for football veteran Vieira as Domenech names squad

PARIS (AFP) - – Patrick Vieira has failed to impress France coach Raymond Domenech, who left the Inter Milan midfielder out of his squad for two World Cup qualifying playoff matches against the Republic of Ireland.

Aly Cissokho was the only surprise among a 24-man squad named by Domenech Thursday, the Lyon defender being given the chance to win his first cap only three years after moving out of the amateur divisions.

France face the Republic in Dublin on November 14 and then host the return leg at the Stade de France in Paris four days later, the aggregate winner gaining entry to the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Given Vieira's improved performances for Inter, Domenech had been half-expected to give the defensive midfielder a chance to feature for 'Les Bleus' for the first time since a friendly defeat to Nigeria on June 2.

However Domenech, who is believed to be reluctant to break up the defensive midfield pairing of Lassana Diarra and Jeremy Toulalan highlighted Vieira's lack of regular first team action.

The pressure is now on Vieira, who said Sunday that his aim was to "go to the World Cup", to convince Inter coach Jose Mourinho that he deserves more playing time at the Italian club.

"I want him to play on a regular basis, so that he can bring his potential and his experience to the World Cup," said Domenech of Vieira, whose family hail from the west African country of Senegal.

Domenech admitted it "had not been an easy decision" to leave Vieira out of the squad, which he said "have to get tough" if they are to overcome the challenge that lies ahead.

France and the Republic met in the 2006 World Cup qualifying stages sharing a 0-0 draw in Paris, while in Ireland Thierry Henry scored to give France the win.

Reminded of their two-leg battle three years ago, Domenech said: "We know the Irish, they're all top notch players.

"When we played against them in 2006 there was as much of a buzz around the match as there was on the pitch. They're solid opponents, and they want to go to the World Cup."

Coming into the team in place of injured defender Gael Clichy, Cissokho's football dream continues.

Playing in France's amateur fifth division three years ago he moved to Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, was picked up by FC Porto and now plays at French giants Lyon, who secured qualification to the Champions League knockout phase on Wednesday with a 1-1 home draw against Liverpool.

Cissokho was delighted with the call-up, but admits he is not getting carried away.

"Even though I'm only 22 and I've got the chance to go to the World Cup, I'm just taking it in my stride," said Cissokho, whose family, like that of Vieira, comes from Senegal.

"You have to keep your feet on the ground, change nothing and don't forget where you've come from.

"But it's nice to think that I could be playing alongside the likes of Theirry Henry."

Squad

Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona/ESP), Aly Cissokho (Lyon), Julien Escude (Sevilla/ESP), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), Rod Fanni (Rennes), William Gallas (Arsenal/ENG), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla/ESP)

Midfielders: Abou Diaby (Arsenal/ENG), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid/ESP), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon)

Strikers: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea/ENG), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/ESP), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Thierry Henry (Barcelona/ESP), Loic Remy (Nice)