FABRICE FERNANDES admits he is not yet good enough for a place in the mighty French squad.

The 24-year-old winger hopes to one day break into his national team, but knows Euro 2004 will come too soon for him and he is now focussing on building on his recent return to the Saints starting line-up.

Fernandes has extended his Saints contract for another two years beyond this season and said: "People talk about the French team, but the most important thing for the moment is Southampton.

"France have so many quality offensive players that at the moment I don't think they need me.

"When you look at the squad you have Pires, Zidane, Wiltord, Vieira, Makelele, Henry - some very good players.

"When you say 'Fernandes' - maybe he's not ready.

"We have some great academies in France. It is a pleasure to see Zidane. He is really exciting - not a lot of players can do what he does and the French squad has so many qualities.

"I know what I can do and what I can't do. For the moment, I'm maybe not needed."

Tonight's match against Bayern Munich sees Saints matched against continental opposition for the first time since the defeat to Steaua Bucharest in Romania.

And Fernandes stresses that the club's aim now is to bring regular competitive European football to St Mary's.

"Everybody is looking forward to playing Bayern," he said.

"I'm really happy in Southampton - I have signed for two-and-a-half years and I really hope we can get into Europe at the end of the season.

"It was a good game and a good atmosphere in Europe when we played Steaua. Next year we hope to go back to Europe and have the squad ready for that.

"Europe needs a different approach.

"The league is the league, but when we go to Europe it is different players.

"I hope the squad can use the experience of what it is to be in Europe this season."

Fernandes, though, also has his eye on Saturday's trip to Old Trafford and insists the most important element of tonight's friendly was its use as preparation for the Premiership clash against the champions.

Last year, Fernandes scored in Saints' 2-1 defeat at Manchester United, and he added: "We are prepared for Bayern Munich, but the most important thing is to be ready for the Manchester United game.

"Everybody wants to win every game - I hope we win tonight - but we must be ready for the next game.

"It was a good game at Old Trafford last year, but we conceded in the last five minutes and so it was very frustrating."

Saints fans can pay on the night tonight.

Turnstiles F and G will be open for supporters wanting to pay cash. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for teenagers and seniors and just £1 for children aged 12 and under.

FRANCIS BENALI - MY SUPERB SAINTS CAREER: 4-page special in today's Sport On Monday supplement.