GIRESSE: QUALIFICATION IS IN THE BAG

FRANCE legend Alain Giresse has dismissed Ireland's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals - insisting: We are better than you in EVERY department.

Former France midfielder Giresse, who ended a glorious 11-year career with Les Bleus in 1986, claims:

* Ireland are just triers - and preferable opponents to minnows Bosnia-Herzegovina;

* France can match Ireland's physical approach and then outplay them;

* The French players' greater Champions League experience will count in their favour;

* France's only worry is how best to use their galaxy of stars.

Giresse, 57, said: "France are one of those big teams that has not yet made full use of its potential and the Republic of Ireland game could be a trigger for them.

"This is a good draw for us - of course it is. We know what we are getting into.

"I prefer hard-working opponents like the Irish, who don't disguise their style of play, to an emerging nation like Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"Maybe we'd have developed a superiority complex had we been paired with them instead.

"The Irish just get stuck into you - it's their spirit.

"But France have what it takes to respond physically to them.

"We have what's needed to stand up in a battle. And if we then set out our other arguments properly, qualification will be in the bag for us.

"Playing the first leg in Dublin will work in our favour, as long as we negotiate it well. The first match of two always influences the second one.

"We find ourselves in a similar situation to a two-legged Champions League fixture that comes after the group stages - this is another reason why I am optimistic.

"France's players turn out for some of the biggest clubs in Europe and they have the huge advantage of being familiar with this type of situation.

"Experience counts in the favour of Les Bleus - on every single level.

"Whatever uncertainty there is does not come from France's opponents. It is an internal thing.

"It comes from how our talented players have been utilised. We've not made the best of them so far.

"We have in stock people like Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff, Karim Benzema - not to mention Andre-Pierre Gignac and Florent Malouda.

"So how come we're giving ourselves such a fright about qualifying? I know they can't all play together, but we should still be able to find a winning formula with them.

"This team is being rebuilt, but all that talent ought to be able to work together efficiently. With all the material at our disposal, I'm surprised that we need to go through the play-offs in order to get to South Africa.

"This France side need not fear anyone.

"Getting through the play-offs is the priority, but once they have done so, the squad can truly blossom. Qualification will be seen as a relief, but it could lead on to something good.

"I do not see the French team missing the boat."

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