No place for Vieira as Domenech names playoff squad

Patrick Vieira has failed to impress France coach Raymond Domenech, who left the Inter Milan midfielder out of his squad for two World Cup qualifying playoff matches against the Republic of Ireland.

Aly Cissokho was the only surprise face among a 24-man squad named by Domenech Thursday, the Lyon defender thus being given the chance to win his first cap for France only three years since moving out of the amateur divisions.

France face the Republic in Dublin on November 14 and then host the return leg at the Stade de France in Paris four days later, with the aggregate winner gaining entry to the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.

Given Vieira’s improved performances for Inter, Domenech had been half expected to give the defensive midfielder a chance to feature for ‘Les Bleus’ for the first time since a friendly against Nigeria on June 2.

However, Domenech appears unwilling to break up a midfield defensive pairing of Lassana Diarra and Jeremy Toulalan which is just beginning to gel and pay dividends.

It could prove to be a psychological blow to Vieira, who said Sunday that his aim was to “go to the World Cup” in South Africa next summer.

Coming into the team in place of injured defender Gael Clichy, Cissokho’s football dream continues.

Playing in France’s amateur fifth division three years ago he has since played for FC Porto and now plays at French giants Lyon, who secured qualification to the Champions League knockout phase on Wednesday with a 1-1 home draw against Liverpool.