WORLD Cup holders France have been told they are making a big mistake ignoring Newcastle United star Laurent Robert.

The blunt warning comes from Robert's compatriot Sylvain Distin, who played alongside the winger with Paris St. Germain before they were quickly reunited on Tyneside this season.

Robert is manager Bobby Robson's record signing for the Magpies - he paid PSG £9.5m last summer - and on-loan Distin is also hoping to clinch a permanent move to St. James' Park.

The versatile defender has seen enough of 26-year-old Robert at close quarters to know what the French will be missing in the Far East this summer if coach Roger Lemerre sticks to his guns.

And Distin admitted his amazement that the mercurial Robert has been unable to force his way into Lemerre's plans.

"I'm very surprised Laurent is not a regular in the French side because he's such a good player,'' insisted Distin.

"I think he should be at the World Cup. When I look at some of the players who are in the national team ahead of Laurent, I wonder why.

"He is better than some of the players who will be guaranteed a place in the squad. Why should they be picked ahead of him?

"I'm not saying he should start for France, but he is good enough to be on the bench.

"Laurent just has to work hard and until it's too late believe he has a chance of making the World Cup.''

Distin believes the laid-back Robert has benefited from a proverbial boot up the derriere from Robson.

The frustrated United boss maintains there is no-one better than Robert in the English game when his workrate matches his flair and finishing power.

Robson has compared ten-goal Robert to John Barnes in his pomp, and Distin said: "Laurent can change a game with one free-kick or one cross.

"That's why he's so important to the club.

"But sometimes you need someone to give you a push in the right direction and Laurent needs that kind of encouragement.

"Sometimes he thinks he can just coast through games without working and he needs to be reminded that he can't.

"He has to give the same effort as the other players. In England you have to defend whatever your position. It's not Laurent's job, but he has learned to do it.

"I think he can only get better. He loves the club, loves the fans and is loving his football.''

Meanwhile, United have emerged in the hunt for Nottingham Forest's £4m-rated midfielder Gareth Williams.

Robson, who signed midfield prodigy Jermaine Jenas from Forest in February for £5m, has turned his sights back to the City Ground to keep tabs on Williams, recently capped by Scotland for the first time in their friendly with Nigeria.

Rangers' interest in the 20-year-old Glaswegian cooled when they were informed of the asking price.

But Celtic and Tottenham are also interested and, with Forest still desperate to clear crippling debts, a deal could be in the offing.

Williams' agent, Phil Graham, confirmed: "It's correct to say Celtic are interested in Gareth. They have registered their interest officially with Nottingham Forest.

"At the moment, the player is not for sale, but we all know that things change in this game.

"I'm sure if a realistic offer was made, Forest would seriously consider it.

"It would be a hard decision for Gareth to make if he was given the choice of Celtic or perhaps Tottenham, as both Spurs and Newcastle have registered their interest.''

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