Silvestre hopes for way out

Mikael Silvestre hopes to avoid a club-versus-country row after being named in the France squad for next week's friendly against Brazil - 48 hours before he is due to play in the FA Cup Final.

Manchester United defender Silvestre is certain to start in Cardiff as Sir Alex Ferguson seeks Old Trafford's only silverware this season against First Division Millwall a week tomorrow.

Silvestre had been expected to be omitted from the party and coach Jacques Santini might still be prepared to excuse him if he undergoes 'health tests' required before Euro 2004.