Neglected Di Maria vows to keep fighting for Argentina place

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Angel Di Maria has expressed dismay at being left out the Argentina squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia but he vowed on Wednesday to keep giving his all in the hope of a swift return.

Coach Lionel Scaloni gave no reason for omitting the Paris St-Germain midfielder and Di Maria, who helped take his side to the Champions League final last month, said he could find "no explanation" for his omission.

"If I do everything I do at club level, trying to get in the team to play a World Cup or Copa America, it is difficult to understand why I’m not selected," Di Maria told AM 590, an Argentine radio station.

"Every time I play well or get a Man of the Match award the only thing I can think of is getting called up."

Argentina have not lifted a major trophy since winning the Copa America in 1993 and local pundits have suggested Scaloni left the 32-year old out because he wants to phase in a new crop of players.

Di Maria, though, vowed to keep on giving his all in the hope he can rejoin Lionel Messi and company.

"I love playing for the national team and I hope with all my heart and soul to wear the Argentina shirt again," the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player said. "I am going to give 100%."

Argentina kick off their quest to reach Qatar 2022 with a home game against Ecuador on Oct 8, followed by a visit to Bolivia five days later.

(Reporting by Ramiro Scandolo in Buenos Aires; Writing by Andrew Downie in London; Editing by Sam Holmes)