By James Copnall BBC West African football correspondent

Drogba hopes to spearhead Ivory Coast's attack

Ivory Coast have never been to the World Cup, have failed to win anything for more than ten years and did not qualify for Tunisia 2004.

But the Elephants are being tipped as Africa's next great team.

The reason is simple: Ivory Coast has an exceptional generation of youngsters and established players with genuine star quality.

Just look at the names - Kolo Toure, the most improved player in Arsenal's outstanding English season, Bonaventure Kalou, Kanga Akale of Auxerre, and Anderlecht's Aruna Dindane - the man voted the best player in Belgium.

These are players who would make any country in Africa proud - All are young but have put in substantial time at the highest level of European club football.

And most significantly, that list does not include Ivory Coast's best player, Didier Drogba.

Drogba has become a genuine superstar this season, scoring bagfuls of goals in the French League and in European competition, which attracted the attention of both Chelsea and Juventus.

"He has everything it takes to be one of the best strikers in the world," is fellow forward Kalou's verdict.

Drogba has committed himself to spearheading his country's attack and helping the Elephants earn a World Cup berth.

"I am very tired after a long season, but the prospect of helping my country get to the World Cup makes it all worthwhile," Drogba said.

'Silly things'

But there are still a number of potential traps awaiting the Elephants.

Firstly, they are in a very tough group, with both Cameroon and Egypt scrapping for the one World Cup place.

Toure (right) had an outstanding season with Arsenal

Secondly, the team is young and missed out the last Cup of Nations after losing a game against South Africa that was in their grasp.

And finally, Ivorian fans are concerned about the team's defence, a matter that provokes an adverse reaction from Toure.

"That's rubbish," he told BBC Sport.

"Just look at the players we have: Cyrille Domoraud, Blaise Kouassi, Abdoulaye Meite, even Kolo. Sometimes people say silly things!"

If nothing else, it is safe to say the mood in the Ivorian camp is confident.

Drogba states that "Cameroon and Egypt will be scared of us." But Kalou is a lot more circumspect.

"If you look at every position we have good players, but I don't like it when everyone is talking about us having the best players.

"Eleven good players do not always make a good team. We need a really good team, where everybody fights for each other.