National team coach Dunga handed Bastos his first senior cap for the Seleçao in last Saturday's friendly with England, and the attacking midfielder acknowledged the contribution Lille had made in enabling him to represent his country at the highest level.

"Even if it's with Lyon that I have the honour of being picked for the national side, I haven't forgotten Lille's role in that success," said Bastos, who moved to the Stade Municipal de Gerland last summer following three impressive seasons in the north. "I haven't forgotten that it's largely due to my performances in a Lille shirt that the coach noticed me.

"During my three seasons there, I was able to blossom and show the full extent of my qualities, notably the year I spent under Rudi Garcia, playing in a position which allowed me to score 16 goals and provide 11 assists. I can never thank Lille enough for what they gave me."

'Earn my place'

Bastos' appearance in the 1-0 win over England in Doha is just the first step on what the 26-year-old hopes will be a path leading to next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

The Lyon man may be handed a second chance to impress in another friendly against Oman on Wednesday, but knows it is the impression he makes with his club that will determine whether his summer is spent on the pitch or the beach.

"I know that I won't earn myself a place for the World Cup only on my performances in these friendlies," he said. "I'll get my ticket to South Africa through my performances with my club, be it in Ligue 1 or the Champions League.

"It's good to be in the squad, but the most difficult thing is to stay there. There's not long before the final 23-man squad is announced. It's up to me to earn my place."

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