Fabien Barthez remains coach Jacques Santini's first choice goalkeeper for France's Euro 2004 Group One qualifier against Cyprus on Saturday, despite his lack of match practice. Barthez has yet to play in the English premier league this season after being usurped at Manchester United by new American keeper Tim Howard. "Fabien knows he is going to start against Cyprus," Santini said yesterday. "He remains number one in that position in the national team." France lead Group One with a maximum 15 points from five games, ahead of second-placed Slovenia, on 10 points. Israel are third with eight points, followed by Cyprus with seven points. Malta are bottom without a point.

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