France keep faith with Trezeguet

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PARIS, France -- French coach Raymond Domenech has kept faith with Juventus striker David Trezeguet for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Scotland and the Faroe Islands next month.

He has also included Claude Makelele, who has said he wants to quit the international scene.

Trezeguet, who missed France's World Cup final defeat by Italy in July, pulled out of last month's qualifier against Georgia through injury.

The 28-year-old has scored 32 goals from 66 appearances for France but failed to make the starting 11 at the World Cup.

Olympique Lyon defensive midfielder Jeremy Toulalan has been rewarded for his excellent performances with his second call-up, after being picked by Domenech for a friendly match against Bosnia last month.

Domenech told a news conference on Thursday why he had named Trezeguet.

"We know him and we know what he is worth.

"He is a striker of international class. He is not suddenly going to become a B-rated player because his club was demoted.

"From what I have seen, he scores goals when he plays with his side. It's rather good for his confidence."

Trezeguet's presence in the squad could come under threat when striker Djibril Cisse returns to action.

Cisse, who joined Olympique Marseille from Liverpool on a season-long loan in July, broke his leg during a World Cup warm-up game against China in June. He is expected to play again in October.

Best players

Commenting on the selection of Makelel, Domenech said: "I can only repeat myself. My duty is to pick the best players available.

"Claude is one of them. That's it."

The French coach said he had not had any contacts with Chelsea since the English champions' manager Jose Mourinho said last month that Makelele has been treated like a "slave" by Domenech.

France, with a maximum of six points from two matches, are joint leaders of Euro 2008 qualifying Group B with Scotland, who they play away on Oct. 7, four days before hosting the Faroe Islands in Sochaux.

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