Cheyrou bidding for Portugal place

Last updated : 01 April 2004 By Chris Maxwell
The 26-year-old former Lille schemer won his first cap for 15 months as a second-half substitute during Les Bleus 0-0 draw with Holland in Amsterdam last night.

With competition for a place in Jacques Santini's final squad as fierce as ever, Cheyrou knows he must show his worth on Merseyside to see off competition from the likes of fellow Premiership stars in Steed Malbranque and Laurent Robert.

He said: "When you are French it is really difficult to get picked for the national team, but as long as I am back in the fold I have the right to hope and I have the chance.

"If I manage to shine for Liverpool, where I have a chance to play a bit between now and the end of the season then that will help me."