Coach Raymond Domenech called on the 27-year-old for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Scotland on Saturday and the Faroe Islands four days later.

Anelka last played in France's loss to Slovakia in Stade de France on March 1 last.

The former Paris Saint Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool player also lined out in a number of friendlies in the build-up to the World Cup.

But neither that nor the injury of Djibril Cisse before the competition was enough to convince Domenech to hand him an elusive call-up.

Domenech has however decided to have the Bolton player on standby should Sydney Govou (left ankle) and Louis Saha (groin and hamstring) fail their fitness battle.

Lyon defender Sebastien Squillaci was also called up as cover as defenders William Gallas and Willy Sagnol undergo fitness tests following thigh problems.

And Gallas believes that Anelka was rewarded for his persistence.

"He deserves it, he never gave up and was rewarded for that," said the Arsenal defender.

"He's adapted well to his club (Bolton) and is performing good.

"I've been told that things are going good for him at the moment, and in his head as well. For whatever reason he's had highs and lows but he's matured."

Midfielder Florent Malouda agreed.

"Anelka's a player who is technically gifted. Physically his acceleration can make the difference. He has another image off the pitch. But I've got to know him," said the Lyon player.

"I've never had any problem with him, not even with his personality. He's quite reserved off the pitch and he concentrates on the quality of his play when he's on the pitch.

"If we play together we have to do everything to make it work quickly and well, so that he doesn't need time to adapt. But then again he began his national career before me, he knows what it's about."

Anelka has 31 caps and scored seven goals for France.

The highlight of his national career was being a member of the Euro 2000 winning squad.