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Algerian FA waiting on answer from French-born Nabil Fekir

The president of the Algerian FA has increased the pressure on Nabil Fekir as the Lyon midfielder considers which country to represent at international level.

French-born to a family of Algerian origin, Fekir, 21, could play for both nations.

Given his remarkable form at Ligue 1-leading OL this season, scoring nine goals and recording seven assists in Ligue 1, there is growing speculation Fekir will be among the 23 names France boss Didier Deschamps selects on March 19 for Les Bleus' friendly with Brazil a week later and the following encounter with Denmark.

Speaking to L'Equipe recently, Fekir had said he would make a decision over his future at international level before this month.

Algerian FA president Mohamed Raouraoua told Le Parisien he has heard nothing since making an initial approach to Fekir.

Raouraoua said: "I welcomed the father of the Lyon player into my home before the [African] Nations Cup. The coach, Christian Gourcuff, spoke to him several times a while ago.

"Since, we have tried to get in touch with him several times, but he no longer answers. We want players that are committed with their hearts and have the national spirit that is required. If we don't have that, it's better they stay away."

He added: "The ball has been in his court for a long time... If he wants to play for Algeria, he'll be welcome. If he wants to play for another national team, well, good luck to him."

Gourcuff had hoped to include Fekir in his squad for upcoming games with Qatar and Oman.

"I'm no longer going to count on him," Le Buteur reported the former Lorient boss as saying to one of his assistants earlier this week. "Fekir is no longer in my plans."