Domenech is kind!

France coach Raymond Domenech has left the door open for Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires to return to the international fold.

Pires was left out of the squad to play Poland in a friendly last month after critical comments he made about Domenech in a magazine interview and a row over wearing his personal sponsor's clothing.

But Domenech said in an interview with L'Equipe newspaper that there was no reason for Pires not to return to the squad for the next game - a friendly against Sweden on February 8.

"I like to think it was just a youthful mistake," he said of Pires' comments.

"I prefer to take on board what he said recently after he realised what effect his comments had had.

"To hear him say that he would keep his thoughts to himself and do the business on the field, that suits me fine. That's what I like to hear from an international of 31 years old."

Domenech had less encouraging words about enigmatic Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka, however.

Anelka has been out of favour since falling out with previous coach Jacques Santini despite saying that he still wants to play for his country.

But Domenech said that he had already made his intentions clear on the former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool player.

"As I have said before, there are certain positions where the competition is very tough for selection," he said.

"And naturally, preference is given to those players who are with top clubs and in the Champions League."

Domenech took over from Santini after France's failure to defend their European crown in Portugal during June.

He has made widescale changes with the departure of such big names as Zinedine Zidane, Marcel Desailly and Bixente Lizarazu, but his revamped side have struggled to convince.

World Cup qualifying 0-0 draws at home against Israel and Ireland have left them lying second in their group and with a fight on their hands to qualify for the 2006 finals in Germany.