Jeremy Menez is hoping his displays for AC Milan this season will catch the eye of France coach Didier Deschamps and earn him an international recall.
Menez, 27, last pulled on the shirt of his country in March last year before slipping out of contention due to his lack of playing time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Since his summer switch on a free transfer to Milan, however, the former Monaco and Roma man has recaptured something akin to his best form, contributing four goals and an assist in 11 Serie A outings for the Rossoneri.
Menez will watch France's friendly with Sweden on Tuesday from home, but told RTL he believes he can convince Deschamps to give him the chance to add to his 24 caps if he can maintain his performances for Milan.
"When I signed for Milan, it was to relaunch my career with Les Bleus," he said. "The France team is close to my heart. I have not had the opportunity to talk directly with Didier Deschamps.
"However, I know he knows me. Each international break, I want to be there. I think the coach is watching me; it's up to me to prove that I can come back."
Menez complained earlier this season his failure to establish himself at PSG was due to coach Laurent Blanc not showing enough belief in his talent, something the ex-Sochaux player explained is not a problem with Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi.
"Inzaghi is the one who wanted me at Milan," he added. "He has faith in me. I must not disappoint him. I like playing centrally, that's where I perform best. But I go where the coach wants me. I am expecting my second child on Tuesday. Even more responsibility can only do me good."
France striker Karim Benzema said in October that Menez "gives up quickly" when things get difficult, saying: "That's what he did at PSG when he saw that the coach perhaps didn't count on him. Afterwards, when he has given up, he's not focused on it anymore, and you can see that immediately."