Diaby's World Cup aim

Diaby: World Cup aim

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Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby is determined to ensure he secures a spot in France's squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

The 23-year-old has figured in the majority of Raymond Domenech's recent squads but has just two caps for his country, with both coming in March 2007.

Diaby has enjoyed an impressive recent run in the Gunners side, scoring five goals in 13 starts this season, and is eager to be part of the summer showpiece.

"I have played twice but I have been part of the group several times," Diaby told Le Parisien. "Each time I learn a lot with the national team, even if I don't play.

"I would love to be able to show what I am worth and my qualities with this shirt.

"The World Cup represents my aim. I will do everything to be part of that. I'm working to go there and I am doing everything to deserve it."

Diaby is enjoying his most productive stint since moving to North London from Auxerre in January 2006, and puts his recent displays down to an injury-free run.

Blossoming

"Since my arrival four years ago I have picked up physical knocks," added Diaby. "This season I am playing a lot and I have got enormous confidence in myself.

"Also the tactical system of the team, 4-3-3, suits me perfectly. I'm developing in this role and I'm blossoming.

"I'm not surprised (by my success). I knew that it would come when I sorted out all my physical problems."

Diaby, who missed the 2006 UEFA Champions League final with a badly broken ankle suffered at Sunderland at the start of May, admits there were spells when he considered his future in the game.

"I asked myself questions because they were really hard times to live," he said. "I started to have enough of football and getting injured all the time.

"I wanted to stop, to give everything up. But I hung on. I worked a lot and now I am getting rewarded."