First-timers enthused by France chance

Étienne Capoue and Christophe Jallet hope they are onto a good thing after making their first international appearances in France's 0-0 friendly draw with Uruguay, Les Bleus' first game under new coach Didier Deschamps.

Capped over 100 times by his country, Deschamps was eager to take the pressure off his side after the fixture in Le Havre. He reminded reporters that "seven players with fewer than ten caps" were in his team, with Toulouse FC defensive midfielder Capoue and Paris Saint-Germain FC full-back Jallet both benefiting from the new trainer's desire to test emerging talent.

Jallet came on for the injured Mathieu Debuchy at right-back and Capoue replaced Rio Mavuba after the break, with both players now keen to make competitive breakthroughs when the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers begin. "This first cap will remain one of the biggest moments of my life," said Jallet, 28. "I'll do everything I can with my club to ensure another call-up for France."

Capoue made a real impact going forward, with his cross picking out an unmarked Mathieu Valbuena midway through the second half, though the Olympique de Marseille man failed to convert. "Even if we didn't score, we played a good game," the 24-year-old said. "For my first cap, my team-mates made me comfortable. Didier Deschamps told me to be myself and to enjoy it. It was great to be here."

Mavuba, meanwhile, had not been selected for more than five years, and the LOSC Lille Métropole midfielder felt as enthused as the debutants at his cameo role. "It was hyper-important for me to be back," the 28-year-old said. "I knew I would be substituted at the break but I'd have loved to carry on."