Arnaud Clement hoping for "Leboeuf effect" in Davis Cup final

By Martyn Herman

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Veteran Arnaud Clement hopes to emulate former France World Cup defender Frank Leboeuf this weekend by stepping off the bench in his country's hour of need.

The 32-year-old will make his long-awaited bow in a Davis Cup final on Saturday when he partners Michael Llodra against Serbia in the Belgrade Arena as France attempt to win the team prize for the first time since 2001.

Clement has played a bit-part role this year as France stormed through the draw, his one live rubber coming in the semi-final against Argentina, but is primed to make his first appearance in a Davis Cup final after twice missing out.

Leboeuf, like Clement, was also on the fringes for the French soccer team at the 1998 World Cup on home soil before getting his chance in the 3-0 final win against Brazil, when Laurent Blanc was suspended after being sent off against Croatia.

"It's been one of my worst seasons and yet I'm going to play a Davis Cup final," Clement, who was overlooked for the 2001 triumph in Australia and injured a year later after helping France to the final in Moscow, told reporters.

"Of course, we all know why. If Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Julien Benneteau had not been injured I would not be here. However, I will try to be as good as possible.

"Frank Leboeuf was very good in the 1998 World Cup final. I hope I will be at that level."

The 2001 Australian Open runner-up currently lies 78th in the rankings but France captain Guy Forget knows that the Clement/Llodra partnership has performed consistently well in Davis Cup doubles rubbers, winning seven of the nine they have played together.

On Saturday they will face Serb duo Nenad Zimonjic and Viktor Troicki -- a potentially pivotal moment in the tie.

"This is a huge responsibility," Clement said.

France are looking to win the Cup for a 10th time in what is their 16th final.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Tom Pilcher)