"It doesn't make much difference for Thierry whether he's alone up front or playing with David or somebody else," Vieira said. "He can score in both systems."

Vieira will not alone in celebrating his birthday on Friday since captain Zinedine Zidane turns 34 on the same day.

Zidane, who retires after the finals, is suspended for the final group game after being shown his second yellow card of the tournament in Sunday's match against South Korea, which will have been his last if France fail to qualify.

Vieira, however, said he was confident the ageing midfield maestro would soon be back in action.

"A good win against Togo could be the sparkle we need," said Vieira, who should take over the captain's armband on Friday.

"If we go through, and I believe we will, I'm convinced we will then surprise many people."