Coleman blasts Steed snub

Chris Coleman is unhappy Steed Malbranque continues to be overlooked by France.

Malbranque is yet to make the breakthrough at international level despite a number of consistent seasons with Fulham.

The 26-year-old, who can name Prime Minister Tony Blair as one of his fans, has yet to win a cap for France.

Coleman has hit out at the French selectors for failing to give the midfielder his chance and feels he is being ignored because he does not play for a high-profile club.

"People in this country appreciate the way Steed plays football - the Prime Minister loves him," said Coleman.

"A week after Louis Saha left us for Manchester United he was in the France squad, which was bonkers. He didn't improve in a week and didn't get a sniff of the France team before that.

"Steed is a top-quality player and the fact he's being overlooked by a French team which isn't the best is a shame.

"He shouldn't be overlooked, but it's because he's at a smaller club. Forget the fact he's not playing for a top-six team. Everyone knows what we think of Steed at this club."