Pascal Chimbonda is hoping to earn a recall to the France squad with a strong season for Sunderland.
Sunderland defender out to impress
Pascal Chimbonda is hoping to earn a recall to the France squad with a strong season for Sunderland.
The 29-year-old has only made one appearance for Les Bleus and has not been included in a squad for more than two years.
Steed Malbranque and Djibril Cisse are also looking to become regulars for France and Chimbonda believes all three players can enhance their international claims at the Stadium of Light.
However, Chimbonda, who joined the Black Cats from Sunderland over the summer, realises that he will have to work hard if he is to be given another chance by Raymond Domenech.
"I have not been in the French squad since the 2006 World Cup and maybe that will not change until the manager changes. I do not know," he told the
Sunderland Echo.
"But maybe if I play well for Sunderland and we have a good season then it might be different.
"Certainly we are at a good club and in a good division to get noticed because the Premier League is one of the best leagues there is and as a defender you are constantly coming up against top players.
"So I think everyone at this club knows that if they play well for Sunderland it can really help them in other ways, including their international careers."
Chimbonda admits he will be looking on in envy when France tackle Romania in a World Cup qualifier this weekend.
He said: "Playing for your country is a great honour and I would love to play for France again. But we will have to wait and see what happens.
"For now, I am focused on Sunderland and trying to be as successful as I can."
