Vieira fit to stay with France

France captain Patrick Vieira will remain with the France squad for the rest of Euro 2008 after winning his fitness battle.

The Internazionale midfielder's participation in the tournament in Austria and Switzerland had been in jeopardy after he sustained a small tear in his left thigh in training on May 30.

He was immediately ruled out of Les Bleus' tournament opener, against Romania on Monday, but was hopeful he could play a part in France's last two group games - against Holland and Italy.

Coach Raymond Domenech gave his skipper until the last minute to prove his fitness and around an hour prior to kick-off against Romania, it was revealed that Vieira will stay on.

Mathieu Flamini, who has been training with the France squad and would have replaced Vieira should the former Arsenal captain have been ruled out, will therefore leave the party.

Vieira has recently returned to training but has not been at full pace.

He will nevertheless hope to play some part in France's Group C clash with Holland on Friday.