Anelka, known as “l’enfant terrible” of French football, last played for Les Bleus in April 2002, before turning down a cap under Jacques Santini’s reign in November 2002.

He was called up following Sidney Govou’s injury for the friendly with the country then known as Yugoslavia but Anelka refused to play because he did not want to be considered a reserve.

Santini never gave him another chance and until now neither had Domenech although the current coach had made it clear that no player was ostracised permanently from the national side.

Pires, who has not been picked since making public criticism of the coach last year, believes Anelka’s return gives him an opportunity to make his own peace with Domenech and the national side.

“I am very happy for Nicolas and I hope that one day I will follow in his path,” Pires told L’Equipe today.

“His cap gives me a real hope to be given the opportunity to play at the World Cup.

“Nico has been good with his club and therefore he was selected.

“Now my responsibility is to display the same performances with my club and live in hope of being called up for Les Bleus.

“One month ago people believed Anelka had to be back with France and he deserved it.

“The only thing I can do is to be equally convincing with Arsenal, although I will respect the coach’s choice.”

Referring to his criticism of Domenech last year, Pires said: “I don’t have the right to lose the plot, I did that once and I hope the coach will not blame me for that forever.

“I repeat it, from now on I am going to to live with the hope I will be recalled too.”