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Gael Clichy was delighted to receive his first international call-up last week — even though he had to settle for a place in France’s ‘B’ team.

Consistency and class domestically earned Clichy a place in Raymond Domenech’s squad and his appearance against DR Congo was the next step towards his ultimate goal.

"I had been waiting a long time to be called up so it was great to be there," the Frenchman told Arsenal's matchday programme. "We drew 0-0 and I thought I played well.

"It wasn’t the first team unfortunately so I need to work a bit harder to get my first full cap. My objective is to be at the European Championships in the summer and if I can be there without having played all the games beforehand then fantastic.

"The coach, Raymond Domenech watched both 'A’ and ‘B’ games. He said well done to me and I hope he will call upon me for the upcoming game against England and of course for Euro 2008."

Aspirations are rightly high for the 22-year-old, however his focus remains in North London.

"I’m happy to be back at Arsenal now because when you go with the international team you can lose the rhythm of the Club and it’s important to keep that in mind."