Sissoko harbours World Cup ambitions

Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko says he is keen to impress this season in order to make France’s squad for the 2014 World Cup.

The 23-year-old has earned eight caps for his country since making his debut in 2009, but failed to feature in the squads for the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships.

And he keen to correct that this time around, by forcing his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans with his performances at domestic level.

He told the club’s official website: “The manager played me as a number 10 for a large part of last season and I’m very happy to play there. But next season we’ll see what happens. We’ll see what the manager wants, see where he wants me to play.

“I’ll try and adapt the best I can but the objective for me is just to come out and have a good season personally because next season is a World Cup year.

“So I want to try and play well. I’ll be motivated so I can get into a good position personally to try and attack the French national team and get into the squad. I have rested to make sure I can come back in top form.”

Sissoko has made 18 appearances for Newcastle since arriving in January 2013, and has scored three goals in that time.