Van Nistelrooy given Dutch recall

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has included Ruud van Nistelrooy in his squad for the friendly match against Switzerland at the Stade de Genève on 22 August.

One-year absence
The Real Madrid CF striker, who has scored 28 times in 54 internationals, has not played for his country since the 2006 FIFA World Cup match against Argentina after falling out with Van Basten. Arsenal FC forward Robin van Persie also returns after a long absence following a foot injury, but Chelsea FC winger Arjen Robben is not match fit yet after picking up a knee injury.

Winning intentions
AFC Ajax striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar did not make the 20-man squad, with van Basten saying: “Besides van Nistelrooy, I also have [Dirk] Kuyt and Van Persie who can play in the centre. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has specific qualities - I consider him a pinch-hitter. We want to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008™ and then win the title. I have been national team coach for four years now. You have to aim for the highest target, and that is the title.”

Netherlands squad
Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United FC), Maarten Stekelenburg (AFC Ajax).

Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (Sevilla FC), Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa FC), Urby Emanuelson (AFC Ajax), John Heitinga (AFC Ajax), Kew Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburger SV), Mario Melchiot (Wigan Athletic FC).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan), Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid CF), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburger SV), Demy de Zeeuw (AZ Alkmaar).

Forwards: Ryan Babel (Liverpool FC), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid CF), Robin van Persie (Arsenal FC), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic FC).