Robert should be World Cup-bound - Distin

Newcastle defender Sylvain Distin is urging world champions France not to turn their backs on team-mate Laurent Robert.

Fellow Frenchman Distin admits he is surprised that his former Paris St Germain colleague is not a fixture in the national side.

Robert’s first season in the Premiership has seen him work hard to get to grips with the English game but produce several flashes of undoubted genius.

And Distin said: ‘‘I’m very surprised he’s not a regular in the French side because his talent is there for all to see. I think he should be at the World Cup.

‘‘When I look at some of the players who are in the national team ahead of Laurent, I wonder why.

‘‘He is better than some of those who will be guaranteed a place in the squad. Why should they be picked ahead of him?

‘‘I’m not saying he should start for France, but surely he’s good enough to make the bench?

‘‘But I’m just a footballer and I’m not paid to make those kind of decisions.

‘‘He just has to work hard and, until it is too late, and believe himself that he has a chance of making the World Cup.’’

Robert arrived on Tyneside last summer after Bobby Robson invested the lion’s share of his summer transfer kitty to secure his £10m (€16m) capture.

At his best, he has proved himself one of the most dangerous wide players in the English game, but his relaxed approach has at times invited criticism.

Robson admits that he has had to spend more time talking to Robert about what he needs from him than any other player, but he remains confident that his money was well spent and that the Tynesiders will get even more from their expensive Frenchman next season.

Distin too knows that his team-mate sometimes needs a little special attention, but insists that he is learning all the time.

‘‘Sometimes you need somebody to give you a push in the right direction and Laurent is that kind of player,’’ he said.

‘‘Sometimes he thinks he can just coast through a game without working and he needs a reminder that he can’t do that. He has to give the same effort as the other players.

‘‘In England, you have to defend whatever your position - it’s not Laurent’s job, but he has learnt to do it and he’s a better player for it.’’

Robert will have a key role to play as the Magpies contemplate Champions League football next season, and Distin is predicting a bright future for a man who can turn a game in an instant, as he did last month to spark a remarkable fightback at Derby.

‘‘Laurent can change the game with one free-kick or one cross, and in that respect, he’s really important for the club,’’ he said.

‘‘I think Laurent will only get better. He loves the club, he loves the fans and he is loving his football.’’