YOURI Djorkaeff is relishing the opportunity to undertake the role vacated by Zinedine Zidane's absence when France kick off their World Cup defence against Senegal tomorrow.

The Wanderers midfielder is the natural replacement for the world's number one player who will miss the World Cup opener through injury.

And 34-year-old Djorkaeff is relishing the opportunity to take his stunning club form at the end of last season on to the world stage.

Djorkaeff's World Cup hopes were in tatters before Reebok Stadium boss Sam Allardyce plucked him from a nightmare in Germany to rekindle his dreams of gracing the world stage on which he earned international stardom four years ago when he helped France to lift the greatest football prize on the globe.

In a staggering two months he showed he has lost none of his talent and influence as he played a key part in helping save Wanderers' Premiership lives.

He received the ultimate reward when France boss Roger Le Merre selected him in his 23-man World Cup squad and he has justified that call-up by being a major player in the pre-tournament friendlies, scoring a hat-trick in one.

It is widely expected the restoration of his career will be completed tomorrow by him being given the midfield responsibility left open by Zidane's injury.

And while he knows the Real Madrid star is a massive influence on the team he insists he will not let his country down.

He said: "Zidane is an irreplaceable player, but for me it would not be a problem.

"I'll just play Youri-style and we'll see afterwards."