Domenech opts for youth against Bosnia

France coach Raymond Domenech has opted for youth by selecting Olympique Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan and Girondins Bordeaux's Julien Faubert yesterday for next week's friendly against Bosnia in Sarajevo.

Toulalan, 22, and Faubert, 23, were key members of the team who reached the semi-finals of the European U-21 Championships in Portugal in May.

Lyon defender Francois Clerc, 23, earned his second call-up for Les Bleus while Girondins Bordeaux's Rio Mavuba and Roma's Philippe Mexes are back as well.

Mavuba, 22, has not played for France since the 2-1 victory over Hungary in Metz in May 2005 while Mexes, 24, made his last appearance in February 2004.

"The coach is banking on the youths as Mavuba, Toulalan and Clerc who took part in the European Championships with me are in the list too," Faubert said.

"I see this call-up like a start and not an achievement. I'll go to Clairefontaine to learn from the others."

Wednesday's match will be France's first outing since the World Cup final they lost to Italy on penalties in Berlin last month.

Domenech had little choice but to introduce youth in his squad after Zinedine Zidane retired and influential midfielder Claude Makelele called time on his international career.

Even defender Lilian Thuram, who has won a record 121 French caps but has still to make up his mind about his future with the national team, was left out.