France manager Raymond Domenech has put faith in Monaco striker Frederic Piquionne who received his first France call-up for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Lithuania and Austria. Domenech had surprise inclusions in attack after losing his first-choice strikers Thierry Henry and Louis Saha through injury and the innovation included Piquionne and Karim Benzema of Lyon to deputize the sidelined duo. Piquionne, who is on loan from St.Ettienne, had an impressive French Ligue 1 campaign, hitting nine goals for both clubs this season. "I chose him because he doesn't play any more for St Etienne! No, I am joking, we have been following him for a long time," Domenech was quoted by Eurosport. "He makes a lot of effort, he works hard. He was a good complement, but now he is able to score on his own. He is interesting, but I didn't discover him today. I had already questioned myself about him. "Now, there are possibilities for him. It is up to him to justify this choice. I have no doubts." The 28-year-old striker was given the opportunity to represent France after his original country Martinique Island pulled out of FIFA's command.
Domenech trusts Piquionne Other new selections for Les Bleus roster included Chelsea defender Lassana Diarra, Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby and Marseille winger Samir Nasri. Whereas, the major surprise was the omission of Juventus striker David Trezeguet who is not expected to receive a call-up before making a Serie A return next season as previously stated by Domenech. France squad: Goalkeepers: Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Michael Landreau (Paris-SG) Defenders: Eric Abidal (Lyon), François Clerc (Lyon), Julien Escude (Sevilla), William Gallas (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (Roma), Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Sebastian Squillaci (Lyon), Lilian Thuram (Barcelona) Midfielders: Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Lassana Diarra (Chelsea), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Rio Mavuba (Bordeaux), Samir Nasri (Marseille), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon) Forwards: Nicolas Anelka (Bolton), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Marseille), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Lyon), Frederic Piquionne (Monaco), Sylvain Wiltord (Lyon)
