France coach Jacques Santini today refused to call time on Nicolas Anelka's international career but insisted it was now up to the player to earn a second chance.
Anelka was seemingly cast into the international wilderness when he turned down a late call-up from Santini for last night's friendly against Yugoslavia.
The Manchester City striker, who has 28 caps, was invited to take the place of the injured Sidney Govou, but claimed to feel unwanted by Santini and argued that he should have been a first-choice pick.
Santini admits Anelka has fallen down the pecking order but insisted the door was not completely closed.
"If I had to make a selection tomorrow or in the next few days Anelka would certainly not have much chance of being in it, simply because a few others players showed their qualities last night," Santini said.
"We will all see how Anelka copes with the aftermath of his decision.
"I am not expecting anything from him. He put himself in the current situation regarding the French team and it is now up to him."
Santini called on players such as Anelka to adopt a "responsible attitude" over their international commitments, insisting unhappy stars should not conduct their business in the media.
"Some of the players who were on the bench last night or who have been on the bench in our recent matches are first-team members at their respective clubs, and I can understand that they might have things to complain about," Santini added.
"The direct communication or the indirect communication, that is to say via the media, between me and the players is always very difficult to manage.
"It is obvious that a gap exists between the logic of a coach and what seems normal for a player, that is why I always try to maintain good communications.
"Every single player should remain true to himself as well as behave as a professional in respect of the national team. I am always asking my players to have a responsible attitude."