Buenos Aires, Nov 6 (IANS): Diego Maradona has urged Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza to hand Carlos Tevez an international recall to kick-start the team's ailing World Cup qualifying campaign.

Tevez has not represented the Albiceleste since their World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Asuncion 13 months ago, which ended in a 0-0 draw,reports Xinhua on Saturday.

"I ask people not to give him a hard time, that they should just let him play. He has what it takes to do well for Boca [Juniors], the national team and whichever other side he plays for," Maradona told the Clarin newspaper.

Tevez has struggled for form in the recent weeks, scoring just once in five appearances for Boca Juniors in the current Primera Division season.

But 1986 World Cup winner Maradona said the 32-year-old still has plenty to offer the national team after spells with Corinthians, West Ham United, Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus.

"I can only say that I love Carlitos and I'm grateful for the fact that he decided to return [to play in Argentina] when he could have played in 10 other countries," Maradona said.

Argentina are currently fifth in the South American zone qualifying standings for the 2018 World Cup with 16 points from 10 matches.