Time for Gourcuff to shine for France

The Olympique Lyon midfielder came off the bench to give Les Bleus their second goal in a 2-0 win against Romania at the Stade de France in his first international since he being sent off against hosts South Africa at the World Cup.

"This lad is among those who were more damaged than others by the World Cup," coach Laurent Blanc, who made Gourcuff Girondins Bordeaux's undisputable playmaker when he was at the Ligue 1 side, told reporters on Sunday.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1