Robert hits out after France snub
Newcastle winger Laurent Robert has revealed his "enormous disappointment" after missing out on a call up to France's injury-hit squad.
The former Paris St Germain ace thought he stood a good chance to represent 'Les Bleus' in the friendly against Holland in Rotterdam - due to take place tonight - when a host of big-name players pulled out with knocks.
Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires and Steve Marlet all pulled out, but France coach Jacques Santini chose to hand late call-ups to Steed Malbranque, Sidney Govou, Benoit Pedretti and Liverpool's Bruno Cheyrou.
"This is an enormous disappointment, I really thought my turn had come with all those absences," said Robert, who has nine international caps and one goal for his country.
"I thought that the French team's technical staff knew my value at Newcastle but I've never been contacted by Santini nor his assistants.
"What makes me the most bitter is to see that Bruno Cheyrou was called up, I was shocked.
"I thought I had brought a lot to the French team in the past."
Robert has not played with France since their Confederations Cup campaign last summer, but he has had an outstanding season in the Premiership with Sir Bobby Robson's Magpies.
"I keep believing I will be back," he added. "I think I deserve a new chance and I am frustrated not to be called up any more.
"For three years I have been waiting for when the squads are announced. Every time I hope to see my name, but I am not there.
"This is a huge slap in the face every time and I would like this to stop."
Meanwhile, at domestic level, Robert has also confirmed he has made up with boss Robson following their row during the UEFA Cup match against Real Mallorca on March 25.
"Everything was fine at the start since we were leading 1-0 and we were almost sure to qualify," Robert explained.
"But my coach then decided to take me off and I did not understand why because I had crossed the ball for the goal.
"I was upset and when I went back to the bench. He gave me his hand to shake it but I didn't.
"We had an explanation two days later and I told him that I regretted my gesture.
"I understood I was in the wrong and that I should have shaken his hand. Maybe I was not at my best level during the match."
Newcastle went on to win 3-0 that night, completing a 7-1 aggregate win over the Spaniards.
