Domenech keeps faith with Trezeguet

Coach Raymond Domenech has kept faith with Juventus striker David Trezeguet for France's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Scotland and the Faroe Islands next month.

Trezeguet, who failed to make the starting line-up at the World Cup and missed a decisive penalty in France's shoot-out defeat by Italy in the final, had to pull out of their qualifier against Georgia through injury.

The 28-year-old has scored 32 goals in 66 appearances for France and Domenech told a news conference yesterday: "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."

Trezeguet's presence in the squad could come under threat when striker Djibril Cisse returns to action. Cisse, who joined 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 next month.

As expected, Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele, who had said he wanted to end his international career, has again been selected.

"I can only repeat myself," Domenech said. "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 have a maximum six points from two matches and are only separated from Group B leaders Scotland, who they play away on Oct. 7, on goal difference. France then host the Faroe Islands at Sochaux on Oct. 11.