Roger Lemerre announced the French team this afternoon for the game against Scotland next Wednesday. You aren't in the team. What is your reaction?

I wasn't aware of that. I've just finished training and I'm going to pick up my son from school. I've just learnt the news from you now. To replace Christophe Dugarry, Roger Lemerre has chosen Steve Marlet. After the very good matches that you have played in the last couple of weeks, you must be a little bit disappointed?

It's true that things have been going well for me lately. I had hoped that the coach would call me up. I really thought that I would be part of the squad. I am disappointed, obviously.

Two months from the World Cup, it's starting to get difficult.

I'm not losing hope. With the form that I'm displaying at Newcastle at the moment, it's still possible. Even if 95% of the team for the World cup is already selected, one never know what might happen.

What do you make of the latest selection?

I believe that there is still a place available in the attack. I don't wish bad luck on anyone, but it's impossible to predict when injuries are going to happen. Thierry Henry benefited from an injury to get into the team in 1998. I'm going to stay ready to be called up, right until the last instant.

Are you surprised that Steve Marlet has been picked?

I haven't come across him much on the field. He's often been injured, and hasn't played very much. It doesn't bother me that he was picked, but I am a little disappointed to not have had his place. I'm not going to give up because of that though.

You replay your FA Cup quarter final against Arsenal this weekend. Did you follow their match against Juventus yesterday?

Yes, I watched the match. They English didn't have much chance, just like Thierry Henry. He isn't playing this weekend as he still a match left of his suspension.

That's a good thing for you?

Yes, but it's still up to us to get a place in the semi-finals. Even if Henry doesn't play, the other players will give it everything.

This match against Arsenal is very important?

It's the means of winning something this year. Yes, absolutely. We are going there to win. We've worked hard this week, both tactically and physically. I think that we're going to be very competitive on Saturday.

Your normal translater hasn't been able to translate your interviews this week. Do you know why.

(Laughing) Next you'll be inferring that my son is still in France and that I'm on my way to her place now!

No, not at all. But is there any truth in the rumour that Aaron Hughes isn't talking to you?

(Angrily) I walked into a door, OK! I tell you, there is nothing in it. And those condoms, well, I have to test them out before I give my endorsement for a new sponsorship package.

See you later.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

Answers

A poor slur on dougal's character!

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

LOL!!

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

Haha good work

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

very good :-) I expect you'll be receiving the court summons shortly

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

LOL! Kiwi. Thanks for clearing up that little mystery for us.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

You'll be hearing from my litigation support tem.

;))

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

Are they like athletic supports?

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

Excellent Kiwi. LOL!

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

LOL! kiwi (+ thanks for the translation)

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002

"We've worked hard this week, both tactically and physically. I think that we're going to be very competitive on Saturday. "

Are we going to play a new formation?

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2002