France coach Didier Deschamps says it is HE who deserves praise for Yohan Cabaye's form and not Newcastle United.

Deschamps insists winning a regular place for France should be Cabaye's focus.

"One of my favourite sayings is: 'National team is above everything, you can play at the greatest clubs, but there is nothing stronger than winning with the shirt of your country'," said ex-Chelsea player Deschamps.

"I can give you an example - Yohan Cabaye. He didn't change his status because he joined Newcastle, it is because he has been called into the French team and he has matched expectation.

"Nowadays no-one could imagine the French team without him. But why?

"You really believe people look very closely at his performances with Newcastle? No, he got his status with Les Bleus, thanks to his good work for the French team."