Gignac enjoying international role

France’s Toulouse forward Andre-Pierre Gignac is relishing each opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s best players in Raymond Domenech’s national team.

Gignac scored twice in quick succession as Les Bleus confirmed their play-off place as runners-up in World Cup qualifying Group Seven with a 5-0 weekend trouncing of the Faroe Islands.

The 23-year-old has scored three of his country’s six goals against the group minnows in their qualifying campaign, and as he prepares for Wednesday’s final match against Austria, he admits he appears to be finding it easier playing at international level than in Ligue 1 with Toulouse.

Asked why he is proving more effective for his country at the moment, Gignac told L’Equipe he is simply taking advantage of the skills of those around him.

“With all due respect to my Toulouse team-mates, when you play with the best players in the world it’s easier,” he explained.

“You’re surrounded by so much quality and clever play all over the pitch.”

Gignac is refusing to get carried away too with goals against opponents who are propping up the table with just four points from nine matches, have a goal difference of -13 and are yet to establish a significant international pedigree.

“Again with respect, it was only the Faroes,” he points out.

Gignac, who made his international debut against Lithuania in April this year, believes he is beginning to find a style that works for him in international football.

He had a disappointing game against Romania and admits that spurred him on against the Faroes.

“When I found out I was going to start I wanted to really make an impact, to give everything to be decisive and to redeem myself,” he said.

“The coach renewed his faith in me, I had to pay it back on the pitch.”

Gignac will have another opportunity to do likewise at home to Austria in a match when the pressure ought to be off but motivation will still be obvious, given France’s guaranteed play-off status.