The 24-year-old Anelka said on Friday he was eager to play for Les Bleus under Santini, who said last year the Manchester City striker was France's "most ineligible player" after he had turned down a call-up in November 2002.

"Before I talk about the man, I judge the player. I think that he is back to his best and that he has the qualities to join the squad," Vieira told L'Equipe on Saturday.

"We talked about it on the phone. He said things he regrets.

"Now everything has to be done between the coach and Nico. It would be a pity not to come to an agreement. It would be a waste."

On Friday, French federation president Claude Simonet hinted he would like former Real Madrid forward Anelka back in the squad.

"I think that in life if you don't forgive, you forget," he said.

Professional league president Frederic Thiriez has since echoed Simonet's views.

"Anelka made the first step, Santini wants him to make another one (public apologies). Very good. But we must not abandon anyone if we want to shine this summer in Portugal," he told L'Equipe.

However France captain Marcel Desailly has adopted a more cautious approach.

He told the Sports daily: "In Euro 2004, even if he was not in the starting line-up, he was useful to the squad.

"But let's be careful. It is a man-to-man affair. Something strong happened. He (Anelka) attacked the man (Santini) and the coach. It is not up to us now."

The door could, however, be ajar for Anelka as Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet's most likely back-up Djibril Cisse will not be available for Portugal after his appeal against a five-match ban was rejected by European ruling body UEFA last week.

Anelka, who has scored 20 goals this season for Manchester City, is the most reliable option for France on the pitch.

Anelka made his last appearance for France on April 17, 2002 against Russia. He has won 28 caps, scoring six goals.

But Santini, who will name his squad on Thursday to face Belgium in a friendly international in Brussels on February 18, has not yet met with the striker.

He is perhaps more likely to choose Sidney Govou or Steve Marlet, although the two have displayed poor recent form.