NICOLAS Anelka has credited Bolton Wanderers for getting him back on the international scene.

The absence of the injured Premiership stars Thierry Henry and Louis Saha and the ommission of David Trezeguet means the Reebok record signing is almost certain to lead the France attack in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Lithuania.

It is a new lease of international life the 28-year-old striker believes is a direct result of re-establishing himself as a leading Premiership player since joining Wanderers in an £8 million summer move from Fenerbahce.

"My selection is due to my performances for Bolton," Anelka said. "I have scored nine league goals, which is a good ratio, a very good one in fact because the club play with only one striker and I don't take penalties."

Anelka, whose international career has been punctuated by a series of run-ins with national coaches, claims now to be benefiting from an improved relationship with France boss, Raymond Domenech, who is able to keep tabs on his performances much easier than during his days in Turkey.

They have had their differences in the past but, after a trip to the West Indies in November 2005, Domenech gave the former PSG, Arsenal and Real Madrid ace his first cap for three years and re-ignited his passion for Les Bleus, for whom he has now played 38 times, scoring eight goals.

"My relationship with the coach is better since he is able to see me play every weekend," Anelka added. "It wasn't the case when I was in Turkey.

"With Domenech, I communicate and share. Our trip to the West Indies has been beneficial for both of us."

Anelka has assumed the senior role in the France attack largely because of the injuries to Arsenal's Henry anmd Manchester United's Saha and Domenech's decision not to select Trezeguet, who has paid the price of Juventus' demotion from Serie A.

But he is convinced the former World and European champions, currently lying second in Group B after their shock defeat by Scotland in October, have what it takes to restore themselves as the major force in the qualifiers.

"In spite of our injured played we are capable of winning, especially if we score quickly," he said. "France are playing better and remain, whatever people think, a great team."

And Anelka is confident that young Lyon striker Karim Benzema, who could play alongside him in the Lithuania qualifier, will use his chance to establish himself as a top international striker.

"I am convinced that Karim Benzema will be France's next striker," the Wanderers' ace said. "He is able to score and to make goals. It would be a pleasure for me to hand him his first goal under a blue shirt."