RIBERY STATES CASE FOR CALL-UP - 1:17 PM, Apr. 21, 2006

Marseille playmaker Franck Ribery admits it will be a "big disappointment" if he fails to earn a place in France's squad for the World Cup finals.

The 23-year-old, who scored one of his side's three goals in their Coupe de France semi-final 3-0 win over Rennes spreads on Thursday, has never played for Les Bleus but is tipped to be among the names going to Germany this summer.

The attacking midfielder has stood out like a beacon for the Mediterranean giants this season and he has vowed to continue giving it his all for the remainder of the campaign to secure his place in the France squad.

"Let's say I will do all I can to go to the World Cup," he said after the victory at the Stade Velodrome. "Not taking part in it would be a big disappointment.

"But the coach (Raymond Domenech) makes his choices and I respect them.

"If I do not go, I will keep working hard."

Marseille boss Jean Fernandez has sung the praises of Ribery and insisted he has the ability to make the France squad.

"I have known him for two seasons and he is an exceptional guy," added Fernandez.

"He has the potential to play with France, if not in the short term certainly in the next few months."