Wigan Athletic defender Pascal Chimbonda has resigned himself to missing out on France's World Cup squad despite being named in the Professional Footballers' Association's Team of the Year.

Frenchman Chimbonda was honoured by his fellow Premiership footballers on Sunday night following a superb debut season at right-back for Wigan, earning his place among the PFA elite ahead of the likes of Manchester United’s Gary Neville and Liverpool’s Steve Finnan.

But Chimbonda believes that the fact that he plays for a lesser-known Premiership side will affect his chances of receiving a call-up from France head coach Raymond Domenech for the World Cup Finals in June.

Very few people had heard of the former Le Havre player when Wigan boss Paul Jewell snapped up the 27-year-old last summer for what has since proven to be a bargain price-tag of £500,000 from Bastia.

The Frenchman has endeared himself to the Latics fans with his all-action performances, to such an extent he has his own song, while there have also been both a pie and a beer named after him at Wigan.

Perhaps if Chimbonda had produced such displays for one of the top-rated Premiership teams like Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United, then he would be a certainty to be included in France’s Les Bleus squad heading to Germany.

But the talented defender said: “I have not given up hope. The window is still open, but the manager tends to look at the bigger players at the bigger clubs.

“Maybe he did not think Wigan would do as well as they have, so in that respect it will hardly be a surprise if I don't make it.

“I am sure the manager has made up his mind on the 23 he is going to take, so I don't think winning this award will make that much of a difference.”

Nonetheless the full-back is honoured to receive such a prestigious award from his peers.

“It's such a big honour. To make it into the PFA team means it has been a fantastic season, with a lot of pleasure derived from the fact the team have stayed up.

“To do so well has been a massive surprise. I was expecting a battle against relegation, so the way the season has gone, it has been far beyond my expectations.”

Chimbonda arrived in July at the JJB Stadium and he admits he had no idea who he was signing for at the time.

“When I arrived, I knew nothing about Wigan. I had never heard of them - I didn't even know where they were!” he explained.

“I just wanted to play in the Premiership. Wigan were the team that approached me, and that is why I signed.

"I have had a superb time, and the fans have been fantastic. They have given me a buzz.

"Hearing them chanting my name is not something I have experienced before, but it drives me on to do even better. It has been a major factor in me doing so well."

Which is why other clubs may yet take an interest in Chimbonda this summer, who has confirmed he has no verbal agreement with Jewell to leave should a big-money offer be made.

However, Chimbonda is ambitious, and while he is not looking to leave Wigan, especially with their success this season, he said: "If a big club comes in you don't turn them away, you discuss what might be on the table.

"Like any player my ambition is to one day play at a big club, so if something comes up you don't reject it out of hand."

Jewell, who’s team were second favourites to be relegated this season, are now, unbelievably, in with a shout of clinching a UEFA Cup place for next season.

Jewell, who brought in striker Jason Roberts at the same time, believes Chimbonda has been “a breath of fresh air” in the squad and is ecstatic about the PFA’s recognition.

“He has come from virtually nowhere, and been a sensational player for us,” said Jewell.

“Since our first game against Chelsea he has never looked back. He has gone from strength to strength.

“He has bought into what we are trying to do here, and he has adapted, while the fans took to him straight away, which always helps.

“To then be recognised by your fellow pro’s is the biggest honour any player can get.”