FRANCE'S No.1

Last updated : 14 August 2003 By Editor

Fabien Barthez is still France's first-choice goalkeeper despite coming under pressure from three other keepers for his place at United and being lobbed from 30 yards last night.

French coach Santini still believes Fabien is fab

"I had Fabien on the phone as well as Alex Ferguson. Fabien remains confident and very motivated,"

"Ferguson hasn't given me any clue about his personal view of Barthez's situation.

"We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.

"As far as his situation with the French national team is concerned, our view remains the same.

"He is our number one."

Six United players in total have been called up for internationals they are Mikael Silvestre, Fabien Barthez, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ryan Giggs, John O'Shea and young Welsh man Matty Williams for Wales U-21.