Hatem Ben Arfa hopeful of Euro 2012 spot

Hatem Ben Arfa believes that he is an improved player and is hopeful that his excellent season with Newcastle United can secure him a spot in France's Euro 2012 squad.

The Magpies winger has been named in Laurent Blanc's provisional training party but isn't taking his place for granted following his surprise omissions in both 2008 and 2010.

"I am more peaceful now. I make more efforts for the others. Every failure makes you grow. I have evolved and at 25 I think I'm more mature than when I was 20," said Ben Arfa.

"Obviously you wonder what is going to happen but I have no hunch. I just hope I will be in the squad.

"I still remember the shocks of 2008 and 2010. If it has to happen, I will adapt."

The former Marseille player has been capped eight times by Les Bleus.