DIDIER Zokora has revealed he was nervous earlier this week when World Cup squads had to be trimmed to 23 players, despite being a fixture in a the Ivory Coast team.
The Sevilla midfielder was eventually named by Sven-Goran Eriksson and is expected to play a key role for the Elephants in South Africa having switched to a new defensive role.
However, the 29-year-old says he was still worried about making the final squad list.
"Even though I am one of the senior members of the team, we must not lose sight that there is strong competition for places in the team," said Zakora.
"A place is never certain. I am just happy to be given the chance to participate in a second World Cup."
And Zokora had only words of sympathy for those that were axed by Eriksson.
He added: "For players who are not selected, it is a great disappointment.
"But we have a relatively young team and they will certainly have the opportunity to participate in another World Cup."
However, the 29-year-old says he was still worried about making the final squad list.
"Even though I am one of the senior members of the team, we must not lose sight that there is strong competition for places in the team," said Zakora.
"A place is never certain. I am just happy to be given the chance to participate in a second World Cup."
And Zokora had only words of sympathy for those that were axed by Eriksson.
He added: "For players who are not selected, it is a great disappointment.
"But we have a relatively young team and they will certainly have the opportunity to participate in another World Cup."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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