Olivier Giroud has been drafted into the France national set-up for the first time following an impressive start to the domestic season.
Montpellier striker hoping to win his first cap
Olivier Giroud has been drafted into the France national set-up for the first time following an impressive start to the domestic season.
The Montpellier striker has been included in Laurent Blanc's squad for upcoming friendlies against the United States and Belgium.
Giroud's inclusion comes as no surprise as he has already netted eight goals in Ligue 1 this season, helping Montpellier into second place in the table.
The 25-year-old replaces Bafetimbi Gomis in the France fold, with the Lyon forward having been overlooked.
He was recalled for the final round of Euro 2012 qualifiers following a two-year absence, but drops back out as Blanc looks to explore other options.
Reward
"He (Giroud) is a boy who has made an excellent start to the season with his club and I have followed him for some time," said Blanc.
"He may have a pivotal role. He has turned in several good performances and we have been considering him for a while.
"This is the right time to give him the reward of a France call-up."
Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra, Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul and Lazio forward Djibril Cisse have all been left out, but there are places for Valencia's Jeremy Mathieu and Paris St Germain centre-half Mamadou Sakho.
France squad in full for friendly dates with the United States and Belgium:
Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Matthew Debuchy (Lille), Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Adil Rami (Valencia), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Mamadou Sakho (Paris St Germain)
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle), Alou Diarra (Marseille), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Yann M'Vila (Rennes), Marvin Martin (Sochaux), Samir Nasri (Manchester City)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kevin Gameiro (Paris St Germain), Jeremy Menez (Paris St Germain), Loic Remy (Marseille), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier)
