Wayward Anelka back in French fold

HE may not have been named in the squad for the forthcoming friendly against Holland, but Nicolas Anelka’s international career received a significant boost yesterday.

The Manchester City striker missed out on a place in the party for the trip to Rotterdam on March 31 but France coach Jacques Santini confirmed Anelka is again under consideration for a place in the squad for Euro 2004.

Anelka has not played for Les Bleus since refusing a call-up for a game against Yugoslavia in November 2002. An unseemly stand-off ensued between him and Santini until Anelka expressed a degree of regret for his behaviour ahead of the game against Belgium in February.