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Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet has expressed his joy at being included in French sports daily L'Equipe's world team of the year.
The former Saint-Etienne custodian saw off stiff competition to win his place between the sticks, and his inclusion will surely boost his chances of replacing Fabien Barthez when France get their World Cup campaign underway next summer.
"I'm very touched," he said. "To be honest, I think I won because of the injury to [Gianluigi] Buffon, who is still the best. But not getting injured is also a reason to be proud.
"This is an honour I didn't dare dream about. This season has been special, but luckily it's all happened to me at my age (32), because it's not easy to digest and cope with everything.
"This award will push me even more to think I can claim a starting place in the France team. People's opinion of me has changed and I think the match in Dublin with Les Bleus (1-0) helped a lot.
"That night I perhaps surprised a lot of people."
France Coach Raymond Domenech has said he will announce his choice of goalkeeper before the friendly against Slovakia on March 1.
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