France make changes to squad for Ireland clash

France coach Raymond Domenech has defended his decision to make several changes to the Les Bleus squad for the World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland on October 9 and Cyprus on October 13.

Former Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord earned a recall after impressive performances in the Champions League for Lyon.

Manchester United centre-back Mikael Silvestre was also named in the 20-man squad to face the Republic of Ireland on October 9 and Cyprus on October 13.

Rangers centre-half Jean-Alain Boumsong is also included along with Arsenal’s French contingent.

France squad: Barthez (Marseille), Coupet (Lyon); Boumsong (Rangers), Evra (Monaco), Gallas (Chelsea), Givet (Monaco), Silvestre (Man Utd), Squillaci (Monaco), Zebina (Juventus); Dacourt (Roma), Diarra (Lens), Giuly (Barcelona), Mavuba (Bordeaux), Pires (Arsenal), Vieira (Arsenal), Wiltord (Lyon); Cisse (Liverpool), Govou (Lyon), Henry (Arsenal), Trezeguet (Juventus).