Domenech sticks with Henry, Pires as Wiltord, Silvestre return to fold

France coach Raymond Domenech gave a vote of confidence to Arsenal veterans Thierry Henry (R) and Robert Pires (L) by naming them for international duty in 2006 World Cup qualifers next month.

France coach Raymond Domenech gave a vote of confidence to Arsenal veterans Thierry Henry and Robert Pires by naming them for international duty in 2006 World Cup qualifers next month.

Henry has hit just two goals in 10 international matches in 2004, but Domenech believes he will come good and named him in his squad of 20 for Group 4 qualifiers against Ireland at the Stade de France on October 9 and Cyprus in Nicosia on October 13.

The 30-year-old Pires, scorer of 14 goals in 77 outings, has also convinced Domenech he is ready after being left out of his initial selections.

"I still very much want to play for my country," said Pires. "I want to help them to qualify for the World Cup finals. I want to play my part."

Veterans Zinedine Zidane, Marcel Desailly, Bixente Lizarazu and Lilian Thuram have retired from the international scene, meaning Domenech has much rebuilding ahead.

But he has opted to stick with the tried and tested with Sylvain Wiltord and Mikael Silvestre along with defender Olivier Dacourt making their return for the first time since the 1998 world champions' failed European championship title defence in June.

Juventus striker David Trezeguet, who missed the opening qualifiers because of injury, is fit for action, with Bordeaux midfielder Rio-Antonio Mavuba, who made an appearance in their 1-1 friendly draw against Bosnia last month, being named after officially receiving French citizenship two weeks ago.

The 20-year-old Mavuba, born on a boat as his family fled Angola, will provide support for Lens defender Alan Diarra.

"I'd hoped to be on the list," said Mavuba. "The national team is a new experience and recognition of the work I've done in Bordeaux.

"I missed a call up because my papers weren't in order. I was frustrated and disappointed. Now I'm relieved everything is in order for the future, if I'm not picked it's because I'm not good enough."

Defender Eric Abidal is suffering a buttock muscle tear, and with Bernard Mendy out of form, Domenech has given 24-year-old Juventus defender Jonathan Zebina his first cap.

But captain Patrick Vieria, who was sanctioned for diving in their 2-0 win against the Faroe Islands earlier this month, will sit out his one-match suspension against Ireland.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Fabien Barthez (Marseille), Gregory Coupet (Lyon)

Defenders: Jean-Alain Boumsong (Rangers/SCO), Patrice Evra (Monaco), William Gallas (Chelsea/ENG), Gael Givet (Monaco), Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United/ENG), Sebastien Squillaci (Monaco), Jonathan Zebina (Juventus/ITA)

Midfielders: Olivier Dacourt (Roma/ITA), Alou Diarra (Lens), Rio-Antonio Mavuba (Bordeaux), Patrick Vieira (Arsenal/ENG)

Strikers: Djibril Cisse (Liverpool/ENG), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Ludovic Giuly (Barcelona/SPA), Thierry Henry (Arsenal/ENG), Robert Pires (Arsenal/ENG), David Trezeguet (Juventus/ITA), Sylvain Wiltord (Lyon)