Late bloomer

Pascal Chimbonda, Wigan’s French defender, is holding out hope for a surprise inclusion in the French World Cup squad after being named in the PFA Premiership team of the year.

It’s probably a vain hope which is a shame for Chimbonda who’s had the season of his career since signing for Wigan last summer, but its doubtful Raymond Domenech has been taking much notice of Wigan’s games.

Chimbonda’s started all but two of the Latics games this season and is a real favourite with their fans but as he says himself about Domenech ‘ I am sure the manager has made up his mind on the 23 he is going to take, so I don’t think winning this award will make that much of a difference.’

It’s a shame but at 27 this could be his last shot at getting a World Cup ticket.