Recalled France striker Djibril Cisse insists he never gave up hope of winning a return to the national team.

The Lazio forward won his first call-up under Laurent Blanc for the forthcoming UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers at home to Albania on Friday and Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday.

Blanc only turned to the 30-year-old because of injuries to first-choice forward Karim Benzema and Kevin Gameiro, while Bafetimbi Gomis and Loic Remy are also ahead of him in the running for what is expected to be a lone striker role. But Cisse is determined not to be just a temporary solution and wants to be part of their EURO 2012 campaign.

"I never let go, it's not in my temperament," he said in an interview with L'Equipe. "When I want something, I give everything. For me, this is not a stop-gap. If the coach calls on me then he thinks I can help, give something. If I can get a place, I'll take it."

When I want something, I give everything. For me, this is not a stop-gap.
Djibril Cisse, France forward

Les Bleus still need to book their spot in Poland and Ukraine, going into the first of their last two qualifiers top of Group D, a point ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina and five clear of Romania.

The last of Cisse's 40 caps came at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa, when Raymond Domenech was coach and the campaign was torn apart by infighting. The former Liverpool frontman joined Lazio this summer following two prolific seasons at Panathinaikos.

He admits it was tough constantly being overlooked for selection as he scored goal after goal in Greece, but bears no resentment towards Blanc. "It was hard to watch, not to be included. I've had ups and downs, but I have always remained attached to the France team. It feels good to come back.

"I'm not stupid, there are explanations [for not being called up] that I can understand. Even if the goals do not come by themselves, Greece is not the most difficult league. From there, it's hard to compete with those who play for top European clubs. I was patient."