Djibril Cisse believes he will have to bide his time before playing regularly for France.
Djibril Cisse believes he will have to bide his time before playing for the French national team on a regular basis.
Cisse has been called up by coach Raymond Domenech for the first time since suffering serious injury while playing for France prior to last summer's World Cup.
The Marseille striker admits he is hoping for a start against Argentina in Wednesday's friendly but acknowledges the pecking order in Domenech's squad, with Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet currently in pole position.
"Certain people have said that my call-up has come too soon, but I will try my best," said Cisse.
"There has always been huge competition within the French team. Louis Saha was there when I was still fit and there is Nicolas Anelka as well.
"I would say that Titi (Henry) is untouchable and I have to show respect to David (Trezeguet) who is in front of me."
Cisse believes his understanding with club-mate and influential international Franck Ribery could help his claims though.
"With Franck, we get on well, on and off the pitch, that can help," said Cisse.
"I will be delighted if I have the chance to start against Argentina."
Cisse goes into the clash with Argentina in fine form having netted for Marseille against Paris Saint Germain at the weekend but is disappointed he could not also sign off with a win.
"I am disappointed. Though it is not a defeat, we could have done better," said Cisse.
"Having scored the first goal we thought we'd done the most difficult thing and that we could defend it.
"I think we lacked concentration for two or three minutes and that cost us the win."
