France Coach Raymond Domenech Calls Aly Cissokho But Omits Patrick Vieira For Ireland Games

The headline news in Raymond Domenech's France squad to face Ireland in the World Cup play-offs on November 14 and 18 is the inclusion of Olympique Lyonnais left-back Aly Cissokho and the exclusion of Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira.

Cissokho has never been called up to the national squad before, and there were even suggestions that he could feature for Senegal instead of the country of his birth. An injury to Arsenal’s Gael Clichy, however, has paved the way for the 22-year-old former Porto player to be convened with les Bleus.

Vieira’s spot in the squad has been the subject of hot debate since the summer, when he turned in a very disappointing performance in a friendly defeat against Nigeria. Although his form for the Nerazzurri has improved, Domenech has not entrusted the veteran with a place in the play-off team.

“It was not easy, it's never easy,” Domenech said to the press as he broke the news that the midfielder will not be involved. “I am glad that ‘Pat’ is returning gradually to the highest level. We weighed up the pros and cons this morning with the staff. I want one thing, for him to play regularly. He brings experience at top-level competitions. It’s an element we don’t have.”

Loic Remy of Nice has been chosen ahead of Bafetimbi Gomis of Olympique Lyonnais in the only attacking berth up for grabs. Domenech believes that Remy provides better balance to the team due to his ability to play out wide. Both men have five Ligue 1 goals to their name already this season.

Franck Ribery is not in the squad due to injury. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Samir Nasri is overlooked, having just returned from a lengthy absence.

France squad to face Ireland

Goalkeepers : Cedric Carrasso (Girondins de Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyonnais), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille).

Defenders : Eric Abidal (Barcelona/SPA), Aly Cissokho (Olympique Lyonnais), Julien Escude (Seville/SPA), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), Rod Fanni (Stade Rennais), William Gallas (Arsenal/END), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), Sebastien Squillaci (Seville/SPA).

Midfielders : Abou Diaby (Arsenal/END), Alou Diarra (Girondins de Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid/SPA), Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins de Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyonnais).

Attackers : Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea/ENG), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/SPA), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Loic Remy (Nice), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyonnais), Thierry Henry (Barcelona/SPA).

Robin Bairner, Goal.com