A point is all the Oranje need to ensure top spot in Group E, with games against Moldova and Sweden coming up within the next seven days, although their qualification for the finals in Poland and Ukraine is already assured.

Inter Milan star Sneijder has been left out of the squad because of a groin problem, with Tottenham playmaker Van der Vaart likely to fill the 'number 10' role rather than his more accustomed deeper national team role.

He told the national team official website www.onsoranje.nl: "I do not know what to expect. It makes sense that I could play 10 against Moldova and Sweden.

"For the long term though, I am focused on a defensive position in midfield because we (Van der Vaart and Sneijder) have proven it works very well to play that way. When something works, you should not deviate from it I don't think."

Van der Vaart accepts that Sneijder's excellent performances at last year's World Cup, where Holland finished as runners-up to Spain, have made him first-choice playmaker on merit.

"It is normal. As long as he continues to do well, it is logical," Van der Vaart added.

"If he does not continue to do well, and the coach (Bert van Marwijk) wants to change, then you're different. He has obviously had a very good World Cup."

Holland defender Hedwiges Maduro insisted there was no bad blood between him and international team-mate Luuk de Jong after his tackle ruled the Valencia man out of the Moldova and Sweden matches.

Maduro, 26, sustained an ankle injury in the training-ground collision with FC Twente forward De Jong.

Describing the incident, Maduro told www.telegraaf.nl: "He (De Jong) could not help it, it was pure (bad) luck.

"It was an unfortunate duel with Luuk. He wanted to get the ball, but I was faster and this left my left ankle hooked between his legs. I felt the joint make a double 'clap', so I'm worried that there is damage, but hopefully not that bad."

Maduro, who offers Holland coach Bert van Marwijk options across defence and also in midfield, joins Mark van Bommel and Maarten Stekelenburg in missing out on the qualifiers to be played on Friday and next Tuesday.

Van Marwijk has drafted in Feyenoord defender Ron Vlaar to replace Maduro.

Vlaar told www.telegraaf.nl: "I had taken my son Shane swimming and when I got back to the dressing room I saw a missed call from team manager Hans Jorritsma and I had an inkling.

"Of course I realise that I have only been called up because of injuries to others. But I think the selection is great, it had not been expected. It feels very positive, I can do something with it. I am there and can bring my experience back to Feyenoord."