Yohan Cabaye urges Newcastle team-mate Loic Remy to fire France to World Cup

The on-loan QPR striker has scored five goals in three games

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has urged team-mate Loic Remy to take his club form on to the international stage to help secure them both a trip to the World Cup finals.

Remy's return of five goals in three appearances for the Magpies, whom he joined on a season-long loan deal from QPR during the summer, has propelled him back into the France squad for Friday's friendly against Australia and the World Cup qualifier with Finland four days later.

Cabaye, who is also back in the international fold after injury and his self-imposed exile from the Newcastle team, believes his compatriot's form has justified his inclusion after seeing him contribute a match-winning double at Cardiff on Saturday.

He told nufcTV: "He's scored important goals - twice again [on Saturday] - and he helped us to win the game, so of course he deserves to be in the France squad.

"For me, it's fantastic because I love to play forward and with him. It's so easy because he's quick.

"He can move very fast and very cleverly, so it's very, very important for us. He gives us another way to play."

France will head into the clash with Finland level on points with Group I leaders Spain, but having played a game more, and needing an unlikely favour from either Belarus or Georgia if they are to qualify automatically.

However, at worst, the French will go into the play-offs and have a second chance to ensure their presence in Brazil next summer.

Cabaye said: "It's going to be very important because the World Cup is not far now.

"We have to play the last qualifying game. We are sure of the play-offs now, but we never know and we are going to have to beat Finland at home and wish for something.

"Now it's going to be very important to play well with Newcastle from the next game until the end to hopefully be in the squad for the World Cup."

PA